One of the biggest threats to Americans’ safety today is the rise of deepfakes, particularly those used to promote medical scams.
According to Sumsub, a verification platform, AI-generated deepfakes spiked 1,740% in 2023 and continue to spread exponentially (1).
These scams target the vulnerable, like Beth Holland. She shared her story with NBC’s Today Show to prevent others from getting taken in (2).
Holland suffers from an incurable and painful condition called lipedema. Surgery is a costly and questionably effective last resort.
So she was hopeful when she saw what appeared to be a video of her own doctor — lipedema surgeon Dr. David Amron — on Facebook, promoting an at-home cream for lipedema that promised “96%” effectiveness treating the condition.
It convinced her to buy six bottles of the cream for $300. Only later did she discover the video was an AI-generated fake. Fraudsters had ripped off her doctor’s image and voice — and her.
Holland’s story is a prime example of why Americans need to be on the alert for such scams.
In 2024, cybercrime losses amounted to at least $16 billion in the U.S., according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, a 33% jump over 2023.
The increase was driven largely with impersonation scams using digital ads — like the one Beth Holland saw — to reach victims at scale (3).
Scammers are weaponizing AI to create polished videos and fake testimonials for miracle cures, weight-loss treatments and supplements that escape rigorous regulation.
Celebrity likenesses are often used as the bait because they represent a trusted source of information for many Americans.
NBC’s Al Roker revealed on Instagram that his image and voice were deepfaked by a scammer to sell a hypertension remedy, even though “I don’t have hypertension!” Roker said (4).
The Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Congress and some state legislatures have made moves to counter the tsunami of deepfakes by requiring platforms to take them down.
But the speed at which these ads are generated often outpaces the ability of platforms to remove them.
As deepfakes continue to flood social media, the best way to protect yourself isn’t to put down your phone, but to educate yourself.
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Treat every health ad on social media as an unverified sales pitch rather than medical advice, whether it’s fronted by someone who claims to have a degree in medicine, a celebrity or an “influencer.”
Specific red flags to watch for are claims that the product include: a “secret ingredient” or “ancient cure,” high-pressure tactics including a limited-time sale or products sold exclusively through obscure websites rather than licensed pharmacies.
Social media ads are designed to get you to click the “buy” button. It takes training in self-control to resist that urge.
Before spending money, take a moment and search for the product on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s database to check for approved uses or warning letters.
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The FDA also provides information on online pharmacies at BeSafeRx, as many online sellers may not be properly regulated.
If the ad you’re viewing features a doctor, search their name on the state medical board site to confirm their license and compare the ad to their official hospital profile.
Most importantly, ask your family doctor directly, especially if you are already being treated for a specific disorder. A quick phone call to their office can confirm if they endorse the product.
If you realize you have been duped, you should first stop using the product immediately and consult a qualified health professional about potential medical risks.
Next, secure your finances by disputing the charges with your credit card company. While health insurance rarely covers fraudulent cures, credit card issuers may offer fraud protection.
Report the fraud and file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and FBI at IC3.gov.
Finally, if you’re comfortable with the idea, you could share your story like Beth Holland did — increasing awareness in the public.
Deepfake technology has weaponized trust. By learning to spot the red flags and verifying treatments with official sources, you can protect both your physical health and your financial well-being.
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Sumsub (1); NBC News Today (2); FBI (3); Instagram (4)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
