AI-Generated Deepfake Ads Using Helen Skelton Images Target Fans
Scammers used AI-generated fake images of British television presenter Helen Skelton in sexually suggestive poses to create clickbait ads on X, attempting to deceive her fans into visiting malicious websites. The East Midlands Cyber Security Centre issued a warning about the scam.
What happened
AI-generated fake images of Helen Skelton, a BBC television presenter and former Strictly dancer, were used in scam advertisements on the social media platform X. The ads showed fake images of Skelton in sexually suggestive poses and underwear, with captions designed to encourage clicks such as 'No one expected such behaviour from Helen Skelton' and 'Helen Skelton confessed everything'.
Reported impact
Users on X reported seeing the lewd adverts repeatedly in their feeds. The ads directed people to untrustworthy websites intended to scam people into clicking on links.
Index analysis
The East Midlands Cyber Security Centre issued a warning to X users, stating that previous ads of a similar nature had led to people being scammed and advising users not to click on the ads. The incident followed earlier scam ads targeting money expert Martin Lewis using his image.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.