Deepfake Celebrity Endorsements Are Driving a Spike in Fake Deals and Giveaways
The AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline has seen a spike in fake endorsement scams. Criminals use images, edited videos, and stolen likenesses of famous celebrities to build credibility, placing deceptive ads on social media where a familiar face creates instant trust. Today's technology makes it easy to alter video and audio so public figures appear to say things they never said.
The tell is the ask. Be cautious of offers or giveaways backed by famous personalities, and do not buy a product based solely on a celebrity endorsement. If you are unsure, look up news coverage or check the celebrity's official links to confirm the endorsement is real. And if you are being encouraged to send money in any form to claim a "free" prize or special deal, know it is a scam.
What to look for
- A social media ad showing a celebrity appearing to endorse a product or giveaway
- Video or audio of a public figure that seems slightly off — awkward timing, odd phrasing, or a claim the person would never make
- A "free" prize or special deal that requires you to send money or payment details to claim
- No trace of the endorsement in news coverage or on the celebrity's official channels