Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has issued a cautionary message across social media platforms, urging his followers to be alert to deepfake videos that exploit his voice and likeness to promote cryptocurrency scams.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook on December 28, Loong advised his audience not to engage with scammers who use artificial intelligence (AI) to craft deepfake videos claiming the prime minister guarantees "investment returns" and offers cryptocurrency giveaways. He shared an example video featuring himself, manipulated by scammers to endorse fictitious "hands-free cryptocurrency trading."
Loong emphasized the concerning rise of deepfake technology in spreading misinformation. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and educating oneself and loved ones to safeguard against such scams. Scammers have previously targeted Loong, predating the availability of certain artificial intelligence tools. In 2021, he cautioned Singaporeans about being cautious with cryptocurrency platforms, citing incidents where fake social media accounts were used to sell tokens on BitClout. Additionally, Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong faced inquiries from lawmakers following the collapse of FTX in 2022.
Since the advent of cryptocurrencies, scammers have employed diverse tactics to deceive users into transferring fiat currencies or tokens. In a prominent 2020 incident, hackers breached the accounts of several high-profile Twitter users, including former U.S. President Barack Obama and incoming President Joe Biden, to promote a Bitcoin scam.
