Deepfake Elon Musk video used in inheritance scam on Facebook
A 61-year-old man in the UK lost ยฃ3,250 of his inheritance after being scammed by fraudsters who used a deepfake video of Elon Musk on Facebook to promote a fake AI trading platform. The victim received a convincing demonstration of profits and was manipulated during a vulnerable time following his father's death.
What happened
John Cairns, 61, saw a video on Facebook in June and July 2023 appearing to show Elon Musk endorsing a new AI trading platform and advising people to invest ยฃ250.
Cairns, who had recently sold his share of his late father's house, provided his details and was contacted by an 'account manager' who directed him to download MetaTrader 5 and AnyDesk (which allows remote device access).
He invested ยฃ250 initially, was told he made $100 profit, invested another ยฃ1,490 and successfully withdrew $100 to convince him it was genuine, then deposited a further ยฃ1,510. When he tried to withdraw his cash, he was 'fobbed off' and discovered the scam.
Reported impact
Cairns lost ยฃ3,250 of his inheritance. His daughter discovered the scam and he learned he had been deceived.
National Fraud Helpline solicitors are attempting to recover his money, saying banks have a duty to protect customers.
Index analysis
The video was a deepfake created with AI technology. A law firm representative stated: 'It is becoming increasingly difficult for anyone to tell what investments are legitimate.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.