Deepfake Scam Uses Bitdefender CEO's Likeness for Fraudulent Investment Scheme in Romania
Bitdefender detected a deepfake campaign using the image and voice of CEO Florin Talpeș to promote false investment opportunities in Romania. The scam directs users to complete forms with personal data and make initial deposits, with fraudsters claiming limited spots available.
What happened
Bitdefender detected a deepfake video campaign using the image and voice of CEO Florin Talpeș to promote a false investment opportunity.
In the video material, users are directed to access a link and complete a form with personal data as a first step to participate in the supposed investment opportunity, with claims that spots are limited and an initial deposit is required.
Bitdefender stated that it and Florin Talpeș do not operate, support or participate in any investment platform, financial trading scheme or investment initiative, and any material claiming otherwise is a scam.
Reported impact
Some people reportedly transmitted personal or banking information and made payments to the fraudsters.
Bitdefender reported the fraudulent pages to Meta and some identified ads have been suspended, though new ads may continue to appear and the removal process may take time.
Index analysis
The campaign uses deepfake technology to create video material combining the image and voice of a recognizable public figure to increase credibility and persuade victims.
Fraudsters employed pressure tactics by claiming limited spots and requiring upfront payments to convince users to provide personal data and money.
Governance controls
Bitdefender recommended users not to access links in such ads, not to complete forms and not to provide personal, banking or authentication information.
Bitdefender stated it actively reports fraudulent pages to Meta and that Bitdefender security solutions proactively block access to the fraudulent pages.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.