Deepfake video misrepresents Brazilian senator on credit card benefits
AI-generated deepfake video falsely portrays Brazilian Senator Cleitinho discussing credit card cashback and miles benefits, reportedly designed to direct users to a fraudulent scheme. Fact-checkers identified the video as manipulated from September 2024 original footage, and Meta removed it after the senator's office intervened.
What happened
A video circulated on Facebook showing Senator Cleitinho (Republicanos-MG) allegedly speaking about credit card users receiving cashback and accumulated miles since 2015 following a judicial measure against credit card networks.
According to Comprova fact-checking, the deepfake was created by manipulating an original video from September 10, 2024, in which Cleitinho actually pressed Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco about impeachment of Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
The altered video directed users to click a link to speak with a 'virtual assistant' and supposedly claim their funds, suggesting the content was designed to facilitate fraud.
Reported impact
The video was viewed on Facebook before being removed or restricted on December 5, 2024, following a request from Cleitinho's press office to Meta.
Fact-checking organizations Comprova and Aos Fatos both concluded the video was false, with Aos Fatos noting the AI was used to execute fraud.
Index analysis
The deepfake represents a deliberate misuse of AI video manipulation technology to impersonate a public official and spread false claims about financial benefits.
The content linked to a fraudulent scheme, suggesting organized criminal intent behind the deepfake's creation and distribution.
Governance controls
Cleitinho's press office contacted Meta to remove the content once the manipulation was identified and verified by fact-checkers.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.