Deepfake video used in investment scam targeting Martin Lewis and wife
Scammers created an AI-generated deepfake video purporting to show Martin Lewis's wife Lara Lewington being beaten up, used to promote a fake "Martin Lewis Quantum AI" investment scheme. The video was shared on social media alongside claims the violence was committed by someone refused entry to the investment program due to immigration status, reportedly targeting people to steal money through the fraudulent scheme.
What happened
Scammers created an AI-generated deepfake video purporting to show BBC presenter Lara Lewington being beaten up. The video was circulated on social media alongside claims that someone was refused entry to a 'Martin Lewis Quantum AI' investment scheme.
Martin Lewis stated the deepfake depicted violence committed by an 'immigrant' frustrated at being excluded from the supposed investment program due to his outsider status. Lewis and his wife received worried messages from friends after the fake content was uploaded and shared.
Reported impact
Martin Lewis described the scam as evidence of scammers 'sinking even lower' and called it a 'new low' for cyber criminals. Lewis highlighted that social media firms were profiting by accepting money to publish the offensive fake content.
Lewis expressed concern about delays in implementing scam advertisement rules under the Online Safety Act and stated he had no faith in social media firms clearing up such material given their financial incentives.
Index analysis
The deepfake scam represented an escalation of earlier targeting of Martin Lewis with fake investment schemes. Lewis had previously warned followers in 2023 that AI-generated videos depicting him promoting a nonexistent 'Quantum AI' scheme were 'terrifying, convincing' scams designed to steal money.
Governance controls
Lewis urged his followers to report the scam content, stating 'please report them.' He appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain to issue a public warning to viewers about the scams and advised people not to trust social media investment programs claiming his involvement.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.