Brazil probes deepfake video of VP Alckmin used in data-theft scam
A deepfake video using a manipulated image of Brazil's Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin circulated online in a fraud scam designed to trick users into sharing personal data. The government activated the Federal Police and contacted digital platforms to address the criminal activity.
What happened
A deepfake video with a manipulated image of Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin circulated on messaging applications and social media platforms. The video instructed users to enter personal data on a website to verify if they were eligible to receive money reimbursed by the Central Bank.
Reported impact
The deepfake video was used to deceive users and steal their personal data as part of a fraud scheme. Users were targeted with false claims about financial benefits from the Central Bank.
Governance controls
The government activated the Federal Police (PF) and the Attorney General's Office (AGU) in response to the deepfake video. The Presidential Communication Office (Secom) also contacted digital platforms to stop the criminal activity.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.