The Government of Belize (GOB) has issued a public warning about a fraudulent AI-generated video circulating on social media. The video, presented in Spanish, features manipulated images of prominent Belizean figures and falsely promises viewers quick financial returns in exchange for investments. Authorities emphasize that such scams, leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology, are becoming alarmingly prevalent. These so-called ‘deepfake’ videos can convincingly alter images, audio, and video to fabricate statements or actions that never occurred. The GOB strongly advises citizens to avoid sharing personal information or sending money in response to such deceptive content. To help the public identify fake AI videos, experts recommend verifying the source, checking for inconsistencies in facial movements or audio, reverse-searching key frames, and cross-referencing claims with credible sources. Additionally, skepticism toward ‘get rich quick’ messages is crucial, as legitimate investment opportunities are rarely promoted through viral social media posts. As AI technology becomes more accessible, experts predict a rise in deepfake scams targeting personal finances, political influence, and misinformation campaigns. The public is urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious content, and verify all online claims before taking action.
