It has been observed that a surge in fraudulent “AI-driven” trading platforms are leveraging deepfake technology and manufactured online content to deceive investors.
According to a new study by Group-IB, fraudsters are rolling out compelling fake videos, fake reviews and targeted online ads to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes.
At the heart of these campaigns are AI-generated deepfake videos featuring public figures such as Dutch politician Geert Wilders who support fictional trading platforms.
These videos mimic real news broadcasts, with the urgency to clone synthetic speech and create a sense of exclusiveness. The victims are directed towards manufactured news stories that include false expert interviews, doctor charts and passionate testimony, all designed to encourage registration.
Once users sign up, they are directed towards a platform that requires a small initial deposit (usually between $100 and $250) to avoid doubt. In many cases, sensitive personal data such as ID scans, proof of residence, and even credit card images are required based on the account verification guise.
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Multi-channel distribution
Researchers have identified YouTube channels, social media accounts and networks of blog posts on platforms such as Medium and Blogspot that promote these scams. The operation uses localized content scripts to match the user's country and language to increase reliability.
The campaign is tailored to target audiences from countries such as India, the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Mexico, Canada, Australia, the Czech Republic, Argentina, Japan, and Turkey.
Key tactics identified include:
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Videos generated by AI impersonating public figures
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Fake review sites hosted on free blog platforms
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Social media pages promoting fraudulent platforms with casual and relevant posts
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Localization of fraudulent websites with IP and language detection
The platform is reportedly not accessible through our and Israeli IP addresses, suggesting it is focused on other regions.
Coordinated infrastructure
Using network graph analysis, Group-IB linked a small number of subscribers to dozens of fraud domains, many of whom shared the same registrar and technology details. Some were connected to alternative fraudulent trading sites, including Accutraderonline and 10kappa.
The report warns that these frauds combine professional design, psychological pressure and social evidence to invade victim skepticism.
“This scheme, which utilizes social evidence, psychological pressures and professional design, is extremely effective,” the researchers concluded.
The findings highlight the need for vigilance, especially when encountering investment offers related to AI, support for deepfakes, or untested online reviews.
