Scammers Using AI-Generated Videos of Elon Musk to Sell Unproven Diabetes Supplements

A collection of AI-generated Facebook ads has been making the rounds, claiming that Elon Musk has discovered a cure for diabetes. The ads, which feature deepfakes of Musk and other public figures like Fox News personalities, are part of a larger scam to sell unproven supplements.

The Scam

The ads typically start with a deepfake of a Fox News personality discussing how Musk has made a groundbreaking discovery that "big pharma" doesn’t want people to know about. The ad then cuts to a video clip of Musk, which has been manipulated using AI technology. The ads claim that Musk has found a simple "fridge trick" that can reverse diabetes, but the details of the trick are never disclosed.

How the Scam Works

The ads link to websites that attempt to spoof mainstream news sites like Fox News, CNN, or Yahoo. These websites feature lengthy videos with AI-manipulated clips of cable news personalities, including old video clips with AI-generated audio. The videos often feature Barbra O’Neill, an Australian naturopath who was banned from offering health-related services in her home country after claiming that cancer could be cured with baking soda.

The Supplement

Once viewers make it to the end of the video, they are offered a time-limited "deal" on a supplement called "Gluco Revive." The supplement claims to offer "blood support" that "boosts energy levels" and "supports healthy weight," but it does not actually claim to treat any condition related to diabetes. According to its label, it has a "proprietary blend" of ingredients like juniper berry powder and bitter melon extract.

The Impact

While it’s impossible to know how many people have been duped by these ads, there are dozens of listings for Gluco Revive on Amazon, some of which indicate that there have been thousands of sales in the last month. The reviews on Amazon suggest that some people may have purchased the supplements after seeing one of the ads described above. Some reviewers have reported that the product does not work and has even raised their blood sugar levels.

The FDA Warning

The FDA has previously warned consumers about companies selling over-the-counter diabetes treatments and supplements. "There are no dietary supplements that treat or cure diabetes," the agency wrote in a warning published in December. "Some ‘all-natural’ diabetes products contain hidden active ingredients found in approved prescription drugs used to treat diabetes … these products may interact in dangerous ways with other medications."

Meta’s Response

Meta, the company that owns Facebook, has removed some of the ads and pages associated with the scam. The company said in a statement that it was investigating the ads and taking action on other pages. "The ad review system reviews ads for violations of our policies," a spokesperson said.

Conclusion

The use of AI-generated videos and deepfakes in scams like this one is a growing concern. As the technology becomes more sophisticated, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and fake content. It’s essential to be cautious when encountering ads or websites that make unrealistic claims or use manipulated media. If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of this scam or any other, report it to the relevant authorities and be wary of any unsolicited offers or ads that seem too good to be true.