AI deepfake videos used in LipoMax weight-loss product scam
Deepfake videos featuring celebrities including Oprah Winfrey were used on social media to fraudulently promote LipoMax, a weight-loss product. The Better Business Bureau received over 170 complaints from consumers across 35 states reporting improper billing, fake customer service, and pressure to buy additional supplements.
What happened
The BBB received over 170 reports regarding LipoMax, a product marketed as a form of the 'pink salt trick' wellness trend, from consumers in 35 states.
Consumers reported seeing AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and alleged physicians endorsing the product on social media, including a video of Oprah discussing the pink salt trick with a doctor and claiming she funded the project to manufacture LipoMax.
LipoMax's representative stated that the use of AI-generated or deepfake videos is neither authorized nor endorsed by the company and are not produced by the company.
Reported impact
Reports to the BBB included improper billing, non-existent customer service, ineffective ingredients and continued pressure to buy additional supplements by someone claiming to be a LipoMax 'coach.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.