AI-generated deepfake ads impersonating Bank of England used in investment scams on X
AI-generated deepfake video adverts impersonating Bank of England officials and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage appeared on X in June 2026, designed to exploit the public in investment scams. The Bank of England confirmed the ads were part of a rising tide of fraudulent deepfakes and urged users to report them.
What happened
Fake AI-generated video adverts appeared repeatedly on X in June 2026, depicting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey fighting or arguing on a set resembling BBC Question Time. The ads showed Farage kicking, grabbing and lunging after Bailey with bruising on their faces, and included fake play buttons suggesting they were clickable videos.
Reform UK contacted X on Monday 8 June 2026 'to the highest level' to request removal of the ads. The Bank of England urged X users to report the ads, stating that 'fake adverts impersonating the Bank of England and other central banks are on the rise.'
Reported impact
The Bank of England stated the ads were designed to 'criminally exploit the public, especially the vulnerable, when they are online.' Governor Andrew Bailey described the scams as 'a truly online scourge' and urged the public to stay vigilant and report them.
Index analysis
Many adverts were posted by X user accounts with blue verification ticks. Some ads received 10,000 views according to X's metrics.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.