Deepfake Video of Bulgarian Singer Grafа Used in Financial Fraud Scam
A deepfake video using the likeness of Bulgarian musician Vladi Ampov (Grafа) circulated online, falsely claiming to advise people on how to earn money quickly through a purported investment program. The scam directed victims to register on a specific website and pay a small sum, promising a sixfold return. Grafа and his team reported the video to authorities and urged fans to do the same.
What happened
A deepfake video circulated using the face and voice of Bulgarian musician Vladi Ampov (Grafа). The video was created by taking real video of the musician and editing it to replace his words through editing, as reported by sources.
The synthetic video falsely presented Grafа recommending a purported investment program promising sixfold returns. According to the scam, victims needed only to register on a designated website and pay a small initial sum to earn quick profits.
Reported impact
Grafа expressed concern that the scam could deceive many people. He stated the deepfake video promoted financial fraud and noted that his friend had alerted him to the fake video circulating online.
Index analysis
The deepfake was created from authentic footage of the musician, with the words and message replaced to serve fraudulent purposes. The video appears to have been used as part of a scheme to solicit money from unsuspecting online users.
Governance controls
Grafа and his team immediately reported the video and requested fans and followers to do the same. Grafа also urged the public to be cautious about what they read online and to look beyond headlines and opening paragraphs.
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.