Deepfake videos of celebrities used in Alzheimer's supplement scam
Scammers used AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities and medical figures to promote honey-based supplements falsely claiming to treat Alzheimer's disease, causing victims to lose money through unauthorized recurring charges and fraudulent subscription schemes. The Better Business Bureau warned that the scam exploited vulnerable individuals and families affected by memory-related illnesses.
What happened
AI-generated deepfake videos of Bill Gates, Anderson Cooper, Bruce Willis and other celebrities were used on social media to promote honey-based supplements falsely claimed to treat Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The scammers also featured deepfakes of Dr. Sanjay Gupta claiming the remedy had cured his father and various celebrities.
The scam used high-pressure sales tactics, subscription plans, and false claims of secret medical cures hidden from pharmaceutical companies. Some victims reported follow-up phone calls and questionnaires about their health after purchase.
Reported impact
Victims reported unauthorized recurring charges on their credit cards, difficulty canceling subscriptions, unresponsive customer service, and denied or ignored refund requests. One victim reported losing approximately $2,000 and having their credit card number, address and other personal information compromised.
Index analysis
The Better Business Bureau stated there is no scientific evidence supporting claims that honey-based supplements can cure, reverse, or prevent Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or significant memory loss. The Alzheimer's Association said it does not endorse honey or any supplement for treating or preventing Alzheimer's.
Bill Gates' private office stated that claims Gates was supporting these products are false. The scammers exploited the fears of individuals and families affected by memory-related illnesses using sophisticated, realistic-looking AI-generated videos.
Governance controls
The Better Business Bureau identified warning signs including claims of secret cures hidden from the medical community, guarantees to reverse Alzheimer's or dementia, and high-pressure sales tactics urging immediate payment. The BBB recommended consumers report subscription charge problems to their banks and carefully review all terms and conditions before entering payment information online.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.