Criminals used artificial intelligence (AI) to create a deepfake video of Miriam Weichselbraun. A Burgenlander fell into the online trap.
Anyone who uses the Internet knows that there are dangers lurking there. But as awareness increases, criminals’ methods also become more sophisticated. Using AI programs, they are able to create deceptively real-looking videos of celebrities that are intended to lure users into a trap.Van der Bellen promotes trading platformIn these deepfake videos, for example, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen promises access in a parliamentary session to an automated trading platform or Armin Assinger explains how he earned over two million euros with a secret investment trick. Or Miriam Weichselbraun reports in an interview how she generates passive income. None of these videos are real. The celebrities affected often don’t even know that the videos exist. 18,000 euros invested The country’s consumer protection advice center is already aware of the various deepfake videos that actually advertise fraudulent investment platforms. In the most recent case, a man from the surrounding Eisenstadt district fell victim to cyber criminals. He made an investment of over 18,000 euros based on a promotional video with Miriam Weichselbraun. To date, he has not received the promised profit of 50,000 euros. The account has been deleted and no one can be reached anymore. On these platforms, you are supported by “personal advisors,” explains consumer protection. “As a rule, you start with small amounts. Then the ‘advisors’ motivate you to deposit ever larger amounts. These are usually very convincing, but they also put you under enormous pressure.” There are no apparent gains. Only when a payout is requested does everything come to light. The account is then closed and the “advisors” can no longer be reached.Stricter rules necessaryFor Astrid Eisenkopf, the deputy state governor responsible for consumer protection, such cases make it clear that stricter rules in the AI area are urgently needed to protect consumers. What is required is the federal government. “It is high time to steer the AI market into an orderly direction – especially when it comes to protecting consumers. Particularly dangerous AI systems must be taken off the market and banned,” demands Eisenkopf.
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