Deepfake Scam: Indonesian President’s Likeness Used to Swindle People Across 20 Provinces
Wearing a traditional Indonesian black hat and shirt, President Prabowo Subianto speaks to the camera in an Instagram video, asking his people how he can help them after his election last year. However, while the Indonesian leader’s mouth moves and his eyes blink, the words he utters are part of a fraudulent deepfake scam uncovered by police last month that has swindled Indonesians across 20 provinces.
A Tidal Wave of Deepfakes
Since last year’s Indonesian election, experts have warned of a tidal wave of deepfakes – audio, images and video appearing to come from a known person but which are in fact the work of scammers using artificial intelligence tools. And victims say the hoaxes are so sophisticated they leave others vulnerable to being conned too.
The Scam
Those ensnared by the message were asked to contact a WhatsApp number and hand over between 250,000 and one million rupiah (US$15-60) as an "administrative fee" to get aid that never materialised. The scam has been uncovered by police, and a suspect who pocketed 65 million rupiah from the scam has been arrested.
Vulnerability of the Public
The scam is just one of many examples of the growing threat of deepfakes, which are becoming more sophisticated and widespread. "People should be more careful. Don’t be easily fooled by the lure of prizes," said Aryani, 56, who handed over 200,000 rupiah to fraudsters after seeing a deepfake video of a prominent Indonesian businessman. "I need money, but instead I’m asked to send money. They even made video calls with me, as if I were talking directly to them."
Fact-Checking Efforts
Aribowo Sasmito, a co-founder of Indonesian fact-checking organisation Mafindo, said his team were finding new deepfake scams every week because of their prolific spread online. "We have started to see deepfake videos since last year as AI tools have become more accessible and affordable," he told AFP. Schemes using deepfakes of prominent figures appear to be on the rise, with tech billionaire Elon Musk and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau among a string of celebrities targeted in recent years by sophisticated impersonations to push cash scams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of deepfakes is a growing concern, and it is essential for the public to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect themselves. Fact-checking efforts are crucial in debunking these scams, and law enforcement agencies must work to bring perpetrators to justice.
FAQs
- What is a deepfake?
A deepfake is a type of digital fake news that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create manipulated media, such as videos or audio recordings, that appear to be real. - How do deepfakes work?
Deepfakes work by using AI algorithms to manipulate existing media, such as videos or audio recordings, to create fake content that appears to be real. - What are the consequences of deepfakes?
The consequences of deepfakes can be severe, including the spread of misinformation, loss of trust in institutions and individuals, and financial loss. - How can I protect myself from deepfakes?
To protect yourself from deepfakes, be cautious of content that seems too good to be true, verify information through reputable sources, and be skeptical of unsolicited requests for money or personal information.