AI-Generated Deepfake Scam Impersonates Spanish TV Host Pablo Motos
AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating Spanish TV host Pablo Motos were used in investment scams distributed across social media, with victims reportedly losing substantial sums of money. Motos publicly denounced the scams and accused major technology platforms of complicity for failing to prevent the content's spread.
What happened
AI-generated deepfake videos featuring Pablo Motos were circulated on social media platforms to commit investment scams. The fabricated videos showed Motos claiming viewers could earn €19,000 in a month by investing, with one video reportedly lasting five minutes.
Reported impact
Motos stated that many people have fallen victim to these scams and lost all their money. He indicated that similar deepfake scams targeting other well-known figures affect hundreds of people worldwide.
Index analysis
Motos alleged that major technology platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are complicit by only removing videos after thousands have viewed them rather than preventing their spread. He stated that platforms know who pays for the content and could identify the scammers through financial transfers if they chose to act.
Governance controls
Motos reported working with the Policía Nacional for years to encourage major technology companies to collaborate in preventing such scams, but stated they have not cooperated.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.