Deepfake videos of celebrities used to fraudulently sell health products in Brazil
Fraudsters used AI-generated deepfakes of Brazilian celebrities, influencers and doctors to promote counterfeit and clandestine health products on social media. Anvisa issued warnings about the practice and recommended consumers verify product legitimacy and consult health professionals before purchasing.
What happened
Deepfake technology has been used to manipulate videos and audio of celebrities, influencers and doctors to promote fraudulent health products in Brazil. Among the personalities whose images were used without authorization were Drauzio Varella, Susana Vieira, and Simone Mendes.
In February 2026, Meta sued people and companies from Brazil, China and Vietnam accused of using manipulated images and voices of celebrities to sell fraudulent health products. Drauzio Varella reported in October 2025 that he had been trying for years to remove false videos using his image to promote products that allegedly cured diabetes, back pain, and weight loss.
Reported impact
The deepfake content can deceive consumers and lend credibility to clandestine or counterfeit products. Varella stated it is frightening to see informed people fall for these tricks by believing he was endorsing products claiming to cure diabetes, back pain, peripheral neuropathies, and other conditions.
Index analysis
Anvisa warned that even legitimate influencer recommendations should not be the sole basis for health decisions, as each person has different medical needs and medications should only be sold through regularized pharmacies. The agency recommended consumers verify medication regularity, consult health professionals before starting treatments, and distrust miracle cures or 'natural' products that do not guarantee safety.
Governance controls
According to Resolução 2.336/2023 of the Conselho Federal de Medicina, health professionals who publish medical content on social media must disclose their CRM registration number, state, and when applicable, RQE number. In Brazil, medications can only be sold through pharmacies regularized by health surveillance or official websites, and food supplements cannot be advertised with disease cure, treatment or prevention claims.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.