High riskSocial Media

Deepfake Endorsement Scam

In this scam, AI-generated deepfake videos make a celebrity, official, or brand appear to endorse a product, giveaway, or money-making scheme, lending false credibility to fraud that takes your money or details.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Deepfake impersonation (advertising)
Main red flag
A video of a famous person promoting a deal, giveaway, or scheme that seems out of character.
What to do first
Do not act on it. Verify any endorsement through official, verified channels.

What to know first

In this scam, AI-generated deepfake videos make a celebrity, official, or brand appear to endorse a product, giveaway, or money-making scheme, lending false credibility to fraud that takes your money or details.

Social media scams spread through direct messages, ads, hacked friends' accounts, and fake profiles. They range from account-takeover phishing and fake giveaways to investment and romance fraud, exploiting the trust and reach of your own network.

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A video of a famous person promoting a deal, giveaway, or scheme that seems out of character. Do not act on it. Verify any endorsement through official, verified channels.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Celebrity Impersonation DM Scam and the Deepfake Investment Scam. For the wider picture, browse the Social Media Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that began on social media in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
Top channel
social media was among the most common ways scams reached people in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Tell-tale red flags

  • A celebrity or official endorsing a scheme that seems unlikely
  • Subtle glitches in the face, voice, or lip-sync
  • Pressure to sign up or pay quickly
  • Links to platforms you cannot verify
  • Claims of guaranteed returns or free money

Staying safe

  • Verify any endorsement through the person or brand's official channels
  • Be sceptical of guaranteed returns or 'giving back' offers
  • Report the video and any linked platform
  • Avoid sites promoted only through such videos

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: A realistic video clip shows a well-known figure saying, 'I'm giving back, sign up here and double your money,' linking to a scam platform.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What to notice: A video of a famous person promoting a deal, giveaway, or scheme that seems out of character.

Steps if you already acted

  • If you signed up or deposited, stop and do not add more funds
  • Contact your bank or payment provider about disputes
  • Keep the video, links, and transactions as evidence
  • Be wary of recovery services that follow

Common mistakes

  • Do not trust a video endorsement at face value
  • Do not deposit based on 'guaranteed' returns
  • Do not engage with follow-up recovery offers

Scams like this one

Medium risk Social Media

Celebrity Impersonation DM Scam

This scam uses a direct message from an account posing as a celebrity or public figure to build a personal connection with a fan, then asks for money, gift cards, a 'membership fee', or details for a fake meet-and-greet or giveaway.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Crypto & Investment

Deepfake Investment Scam

Scammers use AI-generated deepfake videos of celebrities, business figures, or news anchors who appear to endorse a crypto or trading platform. The clips are spread as ads or social posts and drive viewers to a fake investment site. A familiar face in a convincing video is not proof an opportunity is genuine, as the audio and visuals can be fully fabricated.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Crypto & Investment

Celebrity Crypto Giveaway Scam

This scam uses fake posts, videos, or live streams that impersonate a celebrity or company and promise to 'double' any crypto you send to a wallet address, but anything sent is simply taken.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

How can a video be fake?
AI deepfakes can convincingly copy a person's face and voice. Look for glitches, and always verify endorsements through official, verified channels.
Why use a celebrity?
A trusted face lends false credibility, making people more willing to sign up or invest in what is actually a scam.
I deposited after watching one. What now?
Stop adding funds, contact your bank or payment provider about disputes, keep evidence, and avoid recovery services that target victims.
How do I verify an endorsement?
Check the person or brand's official verified accounts and reputable news rather than trusting a clip shared in ads or DMs.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.