Watch out for this concerning new WhatsApp scam
A new WhatsApp scam using deepfake technology has sparked concern among South African residents.
Deepfake technology is a growing global concern, as it allows individuals to impersonate others using artificial intelligence (AI).
Deepfakes are images, videos, or audio clips created or altered using AI or editing software to make them appear real.
They are a type of synthetic media, often combining various elements to depict real or fictional people.
According to MyBroadband, Momentum Group financial director Risto Ketola has urged South Africans to be cautious of deepfake and invite-only WhatsApp group scams impersonating high-profile individuals.
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Ketola told eNCA that he was impersonated in one such WhatsApp scam.
"There are many different types of scams going on out there. Recently, there was one where people were impersonating me, giving stock tips," he said.
"In my case, it was just a WhatsApp group where people took my photo from LinkedIn and created a closed group where they invited others."
He added that these groups make it difficult to warn others, as message permissions are set to admin-only, meaning group members cannot post messages.
"I can't join the group and warn people, and even if people phone me and I tell them it’s fake, they can't post messages there. It's an admin-only type of group," said Ketola.
"I've been surprised at how hard it is to put a stop to this," he added.
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Ketola urged the public to be vigilant and watch out for even more advanced deepfake scams.
"Sometimes it's just simple online or WhatsApp scams. Sometimes it’s very advanced AI technology," he said.
"We see people using AI to create voice notes from famous people, even some videos. The videos aren’t that great yet, but they’re getting better over time. Be vigilant."
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