AI deepfake celebrity crypto investment scam
Impersonating: Fake investment platforms (celebrity deepfakes)
What is this scam?
AI-generated deepfake videos of recognisable public figures — including Martin Lewis and news anchors — are being spread across Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platforms. The videos use convincing likenesses of trusted faces alongside fake BBC and Sky News branding. Victims who invest find they cannot withdraw funds without paying escalating 'security' and 'liquidity' fees. A Surrey resident recently lost £20,000 to a deepfake Martin Lewis ad.
Example scam message
Martin Lewis: 'This automated trading platform has completely changed my financial outlook. I've personally made £42,000 in 8 weeks and I want every UK resident to have this opportunity. Register before tonight's deadline: quantum-ai-platform.xyz/uk-limited'
Red flags to look out for
- The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
- Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
- You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
- It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
- The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.
What to do if you receive this
- Do not call any numbers or click any links in the message.
- Log in to your account directly via the official website or app to check for any real alerts.
- Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Received this message?
Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider.
You can also report it to Action Fraud
or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
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Check a message nowSource: Action Fraud