AI scam targets islanders with fake minister posts

A new scam has been targeting people living in Guernsey, and the police are warning everyone to be extra careful. The scam uses artificial intelligence, or AI, to create fake videos and images of Guernsey's chief minister, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez. In these videos and pictures, it looks like the chief minister is recommending a special investment scheme. The scammers even made up fake local newspaper articles to make their story seem more believable.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez said she hopes most people will quickly realize that these videos and articles are not real. However, she also advised everyone to warn people who might be more vulnerable, such as older adults or those who are not very familiar with technology. The police in Guernsey have made it clear that any stories or videos showing politicians asking for money or investments are fake and should not be trusted.

The police also warned people to be cautious about clicking on links, entering personal information, or giving out bank details online. They said that if something sounds too good to be true, like a promise of easy money or big prizes, it is probably a scam. Deepfake scams, which use AI to create fake images and videos, have become more common as technology has improved. If anyone thinks they might have been a victim of this kind of online fraud, the police recommend contacting their bank immediately. It is important for everyone to stay alert and to talk to friends and family about these scams so that more people can avoid being tricked.