Prime News Ghana

CSA warns against deepfake videos promoting fake investments and drugs

By Vincent Ashitey
Shares
facebook sharing button Share
twitter sharing button Tweet
email sharing button Email
sharethis sharing button Share

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is warning Ghanaians about a surge in artificial intelligence (AI)-generated videos, commonly known as deepfakes, falsely featuring prominent individuals endorsing fake investment schemes and unapproved drugs.

In a statement issued on Monday, September 29, 2025, the CSA said it had “observed a disturbing rise in the circulation of deepfake or Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated videos featuring publicly exposed persons, including the President, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, Government Appointees, Media Houses, and Media Personalities.”

According to the Authority, these malicious videos are being widely circulated on social media, particularly Facebook, and are used to deceive unsuspecting victims into losing money or purchasing fake medical products.

“The videos falsely portray these individuals/institutions endorsing fake investment schemes, fraudulent financial platforms, or unapproved medical products and cures, including diabetic and weight-loss drugs,” the CSA noted.

Explaining the modus operandi of the perpetrators, the CSA said, “The threat actors leverage AI technology to create convincing audio and video that mimic the appearance and voice of prominent individuals.”

The statement added that these scams often promise “unrealistic or guaranteed high returns on investments that are entirely fake,” pressuring victims to transfer money into non-existent ventures.

In some cases, the fake videos promote so-called “miracle cures” with dangerous health implications or attempt to steal personal and financial information.

The Authority is urging the public to be vigilant and watch for telltale signs of deepfakes, including “mismatched lip movements with the audio, unnatural eye movements or blinking, a robotic or overly polished voice that does not sound quite right and unusual lighting, shadows, or background inconsistencies.”

It further cautioned citizens not to “trust promotional videos that claim to feature national leaders or officials without verifying from official sources” and advised against sending money or personal details without confirming authenticity.

The CSA encouraged the public to verify investment or health-related claims with regulators such as the Bank of Ghana and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

The Authority assured that it is collaborating with social media platforms, law enforcement, and relevant government institutions “to identify and remove these malicious videos and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Individuals who encounter such scams are encouraged to report them through the CSA’s 24-hour Cybersecurity/Cybercrime Incident Reporting Point of Contact by calling or texting 292, WhatsApp 0501603111, or emailing report@csa.gov.gh.