PDRM Uncovers Deepfake Scams Featuring Anwar Ibrahim and Other VIPs

Deepfake scams are back in the spotlight—this time with some pretty high-profile faces being misused. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has uncovered five new deepfake videos tied to investment scams, and one of them features none other than Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

According to Bernama, these videos aren't just targeting local figures. Other personalities being dragged into these fake promos include former US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok. The scammers are using artificial intelligence to mimic the voices and faces of these well-known figures to make their schemes seem more convincing.

Bukit Aman's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director, Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, confirmed that all these deepfakes seem to be the work of a single syndicate. These fake videos are then pushed out across various online platforms to lure people into shady investment schemes.

The Securities Commission also chimed in, pointing out how scammers often use public figures to give their scams a sense of legitimacy. The promise? Massive returns—sometimes up to 100 times your investment. But of course, it's all smoke and mirrors.

They stressed that people need to stay alert and double-check the authenticity of anything that seems too good to be true, especially when it comes to videos featuring celebrities or politicians "endorsing" financial products. Just because a video looks real doesn't mean it is.

To tackle this, the Securities Commission is teaming up with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take down scam content and go after the people behind these frauds.

Bottom line: don't trust everything you see online. If a video claims Anwar or Elon Musk is offering a can't-miss investment opportunity, it's probably a scam. Stay sharp and always verify before you believe.