Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has warned the public about a deepfake video promoting a cryptocurrency scam “conceived by Elon Musk.”
In an X post on December 29, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted a video of a deepfake depicting his voice and image imitated with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate cryptocurrency fraud. A public warning was issued to address the appearance.
The Prime Minister highlighted that scammers are using AI to manipulate real footage of official events into convincing but completely fabricated videos.
Singaporean officials say scammers have been using genuine footage from official events in very convincing but incomplete formats, including one featuring a doctored interview with CGTN talking about the non-existent “transformative investment platform envisioned by Elon Musk.” He emphasized that the video was converted into a fabricated video. He also urged the public not to respond to such fraudulent videos that promise guaranteed return on investment or gifts.
“If you see or receive a scam like this that promises a guaranteed return on investment or a ‘gift’, do not respond.”
Lee Hsien Loong
In a Facebook post, the prime minister said the use of deepfake technology to spread disinformation “will continue to increase.” This is not the first time the prime minister has been exposed to fraudsters. In July, Lee Hsien Loong warned the public about scammers trying to exploit his image after a fake cryptocurrency video of himself was leaked online.
In 2018, the Singaporean government also issued a warning to its citizens, urging caution against investing in Bitcoin (BTC) by falsely claiming support or support for Lee Hsien Loong. Scammers have reportedly created fake social media profiles in an attempt to deceive potential victims. The Prime Minister’s repeated targeting highlights the challenges posed by advanced technology in the areas of misinformation and financial fraud.