Tim Cook Deepfake Scam Targets iPhone 16 Launch

During Apple's recent "Glowtime" event, which showcased the new iPhone 16, a sophisticated deepfake scam emerged. Fake live streams featuring an AI-generated version of Apple CEO Tim Cook were broadcast on YouTube, capitalising on the high-profile event.

Deepfake Scams Use Fake Tim Cook Videos to Promote Cryptocurrency Fraud

The deepfake videos were designed to lure viewers with a common "double-your-money" cryptocurrency scam. In these fraudulent streams, the AI-generated Tim Cook urged viewers to send Bitcoin to a specific address with the promise of doubling their funds. This classic scam tactic aims to deceive users into sending money, which is then stolen by the perpetrators.

The scammers employed tactics to enhance credibility, including using fake streams that appeared alongside the genuine Apple broadcast. Some of these streams were labelled as coming from “Apple US” and featured a verified account checkmark, adding a layer of false legitimacy. Screenshots from the streams, shared on social media, indicated that many of the views were likely generated by bots to make the scam appear more convincing.

YouTube's Response

YouTube acknowledged the issue on September 9th, stating that the fraudulent streams had been removed and the responsible accounts closed. The platform also encouraged users to report any suspicious content. Despite these efforts, the incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating sophisticated online scams.

The use of deepfake technology in scams represents a growing threat, leveraging high-profile events to deceive users. While YouTube's swift action in removing the fraudulent streams is a positive step, the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and advanced measures to prevent such scams and protect users from financial fraud.