Deepfake medical product scams using Hirschhausen's image in Germany
Deepfake videos and advertisements using the voice, face and image of German doctor Eckart von Hirschhausen have been used for years to fraudulently promote dubious medical products on Meta platforms. An investigation found over 750,000 fake advertisements reached people in Germany and Austria, with fewer than 30 per cent removed, and the scams particularly target people with chronic illnesses.
What happened
For years, deepfake videos and advertisements using the face, voice and image of German doctor Eckart von Hirschhausen (58) have appeared online promoting dubious medical products including weight-loss pills, potency medications and pain relief products.
An investigation by Austria's Institute for Applied Telecommunications found that over 750,000 fake advertisements using Hirschhausen's name reached people in Germany and Austria on Meta platforms within four weeks. Only about 30 per cent of the captured advertisements were removed.
Common names for the fraudulent products include 'GLPura – Nachfettverbrennung', 'Artodip/Artizynt', EROVITAN and Kardirin.
Reported impact
A representative Civey survey of 5,000 adults in Germany found that 12 per cent of adults in Germany who know Hirschhausen have seen AI-generated fake content with his name. The fake advertising was perceived more frequently than genuine advertising for his shows, books or live appearances.
The Verbraucherzentrale NRW warned that people with chronic conditions, particularly those with diabetes or obesity, are at heightened risk from these offers. Hirschhausen noted that patients are pressured to stop taking their existing medications, which can be life-threatening.
Governance controls
Hirschhausen stated that although legally required to do so, the platforms delete the fake advertisements reluctantly or not at all, and that the US companies profit from every click and have no interest in health or human dignity, only profit.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.