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Deepfake video of Romanian president used in investment fraud scam
Deepfake videos depicting Romanian President Nicușor Dan were used in online investment fraud schemes circulating on the internet. Romania's National Cybersecurity Directorate warned citizens that the synthetic videos promoted false 'investment opportunities' designed to trick people into surrendering personal data or money to scammers.
20 August 2025 · Directoratul Național de Securitate Cibernetică · Fraud, scams and manipulation
The Directoratul Național de Securitate Cibernetică (DNSC) announced on August 20, 2025 that deepfake videos of Romanian president Nicușor Dan were circulating online as part of an investment fraud scheme.
In the deepfake videos, the president appears to promote alleged 'investment opportunities' promising rapid and substantial profits. The videos are designed to manipulate emotions and induce victims to provide personal data or transfer money to scammers.
Reported impact
The scam targets Romanian citizens with fraudulent investment schemes. DNSC noted that such videos are designed to manipulate victims' emotions and trick them into providing personal information or transferring funds to attackers.
Index analysis
The incident demonstrates how deepfake technology can be weaponized to impersonate public figures and lend false credibility to investment fraud schemes.
Governance controls
DNSC recommended that citizens remain vigilant when encountering video materials showing public figures promoting 'safe investments,' verify information sources, and only access official websites.
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.
Atitudinea | Stiri OnLine
Imaginea președintelui Nicușor Dan, folosită într-un clip de tip deepfake. DNSC amintește că astfel de clipuri reprezintă o metodă de fraudă online | AUDIO