In a shocking new trend exploiting artificial intelligence, sophisticated scam advertisements are hijacking the identities of trusted BBC news presenters to peddle a fraudulent weight loss scheme on Facebook. The global tech giant Meta, which owns the social media platform, is facing severe criticism for its failure to remove the deceptive content despite repeated pleas from the victims and the corporation itself.
The elaborate con uses advanced AI technology to create convincing fake videos of celebrities and news anchors, including BBC's Sophie Raworth, Huw Edwards, and broadcaster Fiona Bruce. The ads feature cloned voices and manipulated footage, falsely claiming the personalities endorse a 'miracle' weight loss product, often called 'Apple Keto Gummies'.
How the Elaborate AI Scam Operates
The fraudulent operation follows a meticulous process designed to bypass suspicion and extract money from vulnerable users:
- AI Cloning: Sophisticated software is used to clone the voice and likeness of a well-known, trusted figure.
- Fake Endorsement: A video is generated showing the personality seemingly endorsing the bogus product with a fabricated personal success story.
- Targeted Advertising: The fake ad is deployed through Facebook's powerful advertising system, targeting users interested in health and weight loss.
- Data Harvesting: Clicking the ad leads to a professional-looking website that harvests personal and financial information under the guise of a small shipping fee.
- Financial Loss: Victims often find large, unauthorized charges on their bank accounts shortly after, with no product ever arriving.
A Pattern of Inaction from Meta
Despite the BBC submitting numerous complaints and infringement reports to Meta, the fake ads have been allowed to circulate for months. Internal emails from Meta, seen by investigators, reveal a sluggish and ineffective response, often replying with automated messages long after the damage was done.
This is not an isolated incident. The same scam has previously misused the images of other public figures, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Australian TV host Amanda Keller, indicating a widespread and organised criminal operation.
Consumer advocacy groups and MPs are now demanding urgent action, calling for stricter regulations and greater accountability for social media platforms that profit from advertising yet refuse to adequately police their content for criminal activity.
