AI-Driven Scams Rise in Rio de Janeiro, Targeting Celebrities and Social Media Users

In Rio de Janeiro, criminals are using AI to create deepfake videos for sophisticated scams, targeting figures like soccer star Gabigol. Online fraud cases have surged, largely due to AI tools that make realistic impersonations easy. Experts warn of the growing threat and advise verifying suspicious messages through official channels to prevent scams.

Gabigol teve um vídeo autêntico de entrevista adulterado — Foto: Alexandre Cassiano/Agência O Globo

Criminals in Rio de Janeiro are increasingly using AI to execute sophisticated scams, with high-profile targets such as soccer star Gabriel Barbosa, known as Gabigol. A recent scam involved altering an authentic video of Gabigol's interview from last December. In the fake version, widely shared on social media, he appeared to endorse a betting site. The athlete later took to his profile to refute the claims, highlighting the growing concern over deepfake technology's misuse.

According to Rio’s Public Security Institute, online fraud cases in the state have seen a dramatic increase, from 201 cases nine years ago to over 11,000 in 2023. This spike is largely attributed to the accessibility of AI tools, which allow cybercriminals to create highly realistic videos and voice recordings with minimal technical knowledge.

In one case, a social media influencer found a manipulated video of himself circulating, in which he supposedly promoted a fraudulent investment scheme. These scams typically aim to deceive followers into sending money or personal information.

Experts emphasize the importance of public awareness and corporate security measures to combat the rise of AI-enabled scams. While law enforcement has no official records of AI-specific fraud cases, investigations involving AI are ongoing. Both the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban) and cybersecurity specialists urge individuals to verify suspicious calls and messages through official channels to avoid falling victim to these scams.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in scams has become a rising concern in Rio de Janeiro, with recent incidents involving high-profile figures and everyday social media users alike. Criminals are leveraging deepfake technology to manipulate video and audio, creating convincing forgeries that mislead viewers and encourage fraudulent transactions.

One of the most notable targets has been Gabriel Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, a popular soccer star. Scammers altered a video from a real interview Gabigol gave, making it appear as if he endorsed a betting site. Shared widely on social media, the fake video reached over 70,000 views before Gabigol publicly discredited the endorsement. His response highlighted the dangers of deepfake technology, which is often used to produce content that appears authentic. According to Rio’s Public Security Institute, the impact of AI in fraud cases has been significant. Reports of online scams in the state jumped from just over 200 incidents nine years ago to more than 11,000 in 2023—a surge attributed largely to the increased availability and ease of use of AI tools. These tools, which require little technical skill to operate, allow fraudsters to create realistic videos and voice recordings with minimal effort.

In another case, a social media influencer with 20,000 followers was the subject of a deepfake scam, in which he appeared in a video claiming to have made money through a dubious investment scheme. The manipulated footage displayed convincing dialogue, mimicking his voice and lip movements to appear genuine. The influencer later clarified that he was not involved in the scheme, warning followers about the potential for AI scams.

Experts warn that as AI technology becomes even more accessible, such scams may continue to grow in both frequency and complexity. Digital security specialist Alexandre Pinto stressed that while companies may have strong technical defenses, educating people about these risks is essential. “It’s like putting a lock on the door but leaving the key outside,” he explained