Deepfake video of journalist Sandra Annenberg used to defraud public
Criminals created a deepfake video combining altered footage of Brazilian journalist Sandra Annenberg with AI-generated audio to defraud her followers. Annenberg reported the scam on September 24, 2024, stating that people fell victim to the fraudulent scheme, and announced that she and TV Globo are investigating the perpetrators.
What happened
Criminals created a deepfake video using Sandra Annenberg's image and a synthetic voice resembling hers. They altered a post she had made for the Globo Repórter program and added fraudulent text with AI-generated audio.
The scammers used her reputation built over more than three decades in journalism to perpetrate financial fraud against her followers.
Reported impact
Members of the public who trust Annenberg fell victim to the deceptive advertisement, losing money to the scam. Annenberg described feeling 'outraged' by the misuse of her image and the harm to those who believed they were seeing authentic content.
Index analysis
The incident demonstrates how synthetic media technology can exploit a public figure's credibility and established reputation to deceive consumers for financial gain.
Governance controls
Annenberg and TV Globo stated they are investigating the perpetrators and will take all available legal measures, including pursuing criminal charges for fraud.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.