Scammers are using artificial intelligence to create fake advertisements that mimic major Australian newspaper front pages, featuring fabricated images of Robert Irwin being arrested and led away by police.
A recent example circulating on Facebook showcases a counterfeit Sydney Morning Herald front page with the sensational headline: “Is this the end of his career? Robert Irwin didn’t know the camera was still recording.” The ad links to a fictitious news article claiming a bank is suing Mr. Irwin over comments made during a live television appearance.
The misleading narrative suggests that during an episode of The Cheap Seats, Mr. Irwin allegedly revealed a trading platform called Trade iPlex 100, purportedly claiming it could make users rich through AI-driven cryptocurrency trading. Readers are then prompted to send Mr. Irwin $375 to supposedly profit from cryptocurrency investments.
None of this is true; the entire scenario, the trading platform, and the claims are fabricated by scammers looking to deceive individuals out of their money. Mr. Irwin is not involved in any way.
The Australian government’s National Anti-Scam Centre has issued warnings that scammers often exploit the images, names, and likenesses of famous individuals without permission to entice victims into “investing” in fake cryptocurrency schemes. These scams can appear convincing, as scammers use AI technology to create “deepfakes” that make images and voices seem alarmingly authentic.
Such fraudulent images and narratives frequently circulate in advertisements on social media platforms, YouTube, and fake news stories that mimic reputable news organizations.
Stay vigilant and guard against these sophisticated scams designed to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
