Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Siya Kolisi Scam AI Investment - How to Protect Yourself
Siya Kolisi Scam AI Investment - How to Protect Yourself

Scammers used artificial intelligence to create a deepfake video of Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi to promote a fake financial investment scheme. The viral scam features his likeness speaking with a mismatched accent to trick people into sending money.

Details of the Deepfake Scam

  • The Hook: A doctored video shows "Siya Kolisi" claiming he earned huge payouts after a small deposit.
  • False Claims: The fake video promises massive financial returns, such as turning an initial R4,400 investment into R100,000.
  • Red Flags: The audio features a mismatched accent (widely noted by social media users as sounding Nigerian), poor lip-syncing, and robotic delivery.
  • Wider Trend: Similar AI deepfake scams have targeted other prominent South African figures, including actress Connie Ferguson.

How to Stay Safe

  • Verify Endorsements: Real athletes and celebrities do not pitch get-rich-quick crypto or investment schemes via random social media clips.
  • Spot AI Clones: Watch for unnatural facial movements, audio-visual delays, or strange voice pitches.
  • Protect Your Funds: Never transfer upfront fees or investment capital to unverified online platforms.
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