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How to spot AI celebrity deepfake ads | VERIFY

News & Politics

Introduction

As the Super Bowl approaches, numerous companies have begun rolling out their advertisements, many featuring big-name stars. However, along with these high-profile promotions, a troubling trend is emerging: scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create deepfake videos featuring celebrities to manipulate viewers. Here’s how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

Identifying Deepfake Videos

  1. Analyze the Subject: When watching celebrity endorsement videos, pay careful attention to the celebrity's gestures and expressions. In many deepfake videos, inconsistencies between what is being said and body language can be a dead giveaway. For instance, in a fake Jennifer Aniston video promoting a MacBook giveaway, her hand gestures did not align with her spoken words. Similarly, Taylor Swift’s lips appeared out of sync with her vocalizations.

  2. Consider the Source: Legitimate celebrity endorsements typically appear on their official social media profiles. If a video is circulating on random accounts without verification, it’s likely a scam. Always check the profile from which the video originates.

  3. Evaluate the Call-to-Action: Scammers often include suspicious links requesting personal information. Phrases like, “Click the button below and answer a few questions” should raise red flags. Legitimate promotions will not typically ask for sensitive data in such a manner.

  4. Conduct a Reverse Image Search: If you suspect a video is fake, conducting a reverse image search can help unveil its origins. For example, a reverse search on Jennifer Aniston's alleged MacBook giveaway led to the discovery that the video was created from a legitimate promotion related to her auditioning for "Friends." Similarly, Selena Gomez's cookware video was traced back to an unrelated Vogue interview.

  5. Use Common Sense: If an offer looks too good to be true—such as free cookware or a MacBook for just $ 10—chances are, it is a scam. Be skeptical and vigilant.

If you encounter any videos that seem dubious, feel free to tag us at WUSA9, and we'll help you verify their authenticity.

Keywords

  • AI
  • Deepfake
  • Celebrity
  • Scams
  • Social Media
  • Personal Information
  • Verification

FAQ

What are deepfake videos?
Deepfake videos involve artificially generated media that replace a person's likeness with that of another person, often for malicious purposes.

How can I tell if a celebrity endorsement video is real?
Look for discrepancies in the celebrity’s body language or lip-syncing, check the video’s source, and be cautious of any requests for personal information.

What should I do if I see a suspicious advertisement?
Consider conducting a reverse image search to verify the video's authenticity or reach out to platforms like WUSA9 for verification assistance.

Are all celebrity advertisements on social media scams?
No, but it's essential to be wary, especially if the advertisements are not posted on the celebrity's verified accounts.

What steps can I take to protect myself from scams?
Always analyze the content critically, confirm the source, avoid sharing personal data, and trust your instincts if something feels off.