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The Growing Threat of AI-Generated Fraud in Online Advertising
The Rise of Celebrity Impersonation Scams
In the world of social media, investment scams often feature fake advertisements using the images and names of celebrities. Prominent figures such as Taiwan’s financial expert Hsieh Chin-ho, TSMC founder Morris Chang, and Japan’s Yusaku Maezawa and Takafumi Horie have all been victims of these fraudulent schemes. These scams lure people into attending seminars or investing in dubious ventures under false pretenses. In Japan alone, the amount lost to such scams from January to March 2024 was six times higher than the same period the previous year, totaling approximately 21.9 billion yen.
The Role of AI in Spreading Misinformation
The proliferation of AI-generated fake videos and images has further complicated the issue, making it increasingly difficult to discern truth from falsehood. During disasters, the spread of false information via social media can cause significant confusion and panic. The advanced capabilities of AI make it easier to create convincing misinformation, exacerbating the problem.
