Local cybersecurity expert warns of deepfake scam with the PM

Coordinator of the Grenada National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CSIRT), Jervis Dabreo, is urging continued vigilance following the release of a malicious video featuring visuals purportedly of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

According to Dabreo, the video, which has gained traction on social media, employs AI technology to falsely suggest an interview with the prime minister regarding income-earning opportunities for Grenadians.

“It is a crime to produce such content,” cautioned Dabreo, highlighting potential legal consequences under the Electronic Crimes Act for those found guilty of identity theft.

“We were made aware of a fraudulent post, a malicious post, circulating on social media,” stated Dabreo, adding “It is a deepfake video, a synthetic video, not real, created by artificial intelligence using the image of our prime minister, Dickon Mitchell, and the likeness of his voice. It is not a perfect clone, but it is proposing that there is money to be made by clicking a link by interacting with the post.” Dabreo warned the public against interacting with the video or its associated link, which has been identified as malicious by security experts, including Fortinet.

He further urged individuals encountering similar posts to refrain from clicking on links or sharing the content, advising instead to report it promptly to META.

Earlier this year, a local resident reported a loss of approximately $10,000 due to a similar fraudulent scheme, though not involving deepfake technology.

“It is very important when these things show up on your news feed that you reach out to the authorities on whatever it is. If it is an educational opportunity, reach out to the Ministry of Education. If it is something that the Government of Grenada is giving out, reach out to the Office of the Prime Minister or the GIS. Reach out to the authorities before engaging with it.”

He further stressed, “You should never have to send money to receive money,” underscoring the importance of verifying information and consulting official channels before taking any action.

Reprinted from The Grenadian Voice