(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, ON) - Members of the Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have seen an increase in Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated fraud videos impersonating celebrities and political leaders.

Throughout the months of June and August, members of the Middlesex County OPP, have been investigating similar fraud incidents where victims invested in certain financial programs after watching videos on popular social media platforms, believed to be from celebrities or politicians promoting these opportunities.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) are referring to these incidents as “Deep Fakes” where celebrities and politicians are being impersonated using AI.

Deep fake videos use sophisticated AI algorithms to manipulate audio and video leading victims to believe their favourite celebrity or politician is promoting a trusted investment opportunity. The videos can be convincing, making it difficult to know if they are fake or not and often circulate on social media platforms.

Safety tips:

• Assume the video is fake until you can prove otherwise
• Use caution when investing in opportunities that seem too good to be true
• Look for small cues the video may be altered, such as a blip or unnatural movements
• Prior to investing your life savings, do your homework, speak with friends or speak to a financial advisor

Members of the Middlesex County OPP and Middlesex County Crime Unit are currently investigating separate incidents that occurred in Thames Centre and Southwest Middlesex where one victim lost $28,000 and the other $3,500.

Fraud is a multi-billion dollar per year business and modern, tech savvy, fraudsters will do their best to create confusion and chaos during interactions, leading victims to react impulsively and hand over their money.