AI-Driven Scam Ads: Deepfake Tech Used to Peddle Bogus Health Products

Bitdefender Labs reports a global uptick in deepfake-driven scam ads on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram that impersonate celebrities and doctors to promote bogus health cures and supplements, with over 1,000 videos and 40 fraudulent ads observed in three months. The scams exploit trusted figures like Martin Lewis, Cristiano Ronaldo, and physicians to boost credibility, using aggressive, time-limited pitches, and fake news pages. The report urges heightened skepticism toward social ads, thorough research before purchases, consultation with healthcare providers, and the use of security tools with anti-phishing/anti-fraud features.