A fraudulent social media account impersonating Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has surfaced, promoting a fake Moroccan cryptocurrency. The Head of the Government’s office issued an official warning on March 5, 2024, urging citizens to beware of digital fraud and only trust official government channels for information.
The scam, discovered on X, falsely advertised digital transactions to deceive unsuspecting citizens.
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The Moroccan cryptocurrency scam: How it works
The fraudulent account on X attempted to convince users that Morocco was launching an official digital currency, luring victims into investing in the non-existent asset. Scammers utilised AI-generated content and fake endorsements to create credibility, preying on individuals eager to participate in emerging financial opportunities. The Moroccan government swiftly responded, issuing a formal statement debunking the scam and urging social media users to remain cautious of unofficial investment schemes.
This case mirrors global trends where criminals exploit public trust in government institutions, using advanced technology to fabricate false narratives. Authorities continue to investigate the perpetrators behind the fake cryptocurrency promotion.
This incident follows Morocco’s Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), which recently reported a separate case of fraud involving artificial intelligence tools used to impersonate both the central bank and its Governor. Authorities have urged the public to rely solely on the official account, @ChefGov_ma, for government-related updates.
Global surge in high-profile impersonation scams
The issue extends beyond Morocco. In Hong Kong, a fraudulent X account impersonated Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, falsely promoting a “National Hong Kong Coin” on the Solana blockchain. The scam, designed to exploit trust in government figures, was quickly debunked by authorities.
Meanwhile, in France, a woman named Anne was tricked into sending €830,000 to a scammer impersonating Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. The fraud began with AI-generated messages and videos, leading Anne to believe she was in a romantic relationship with the actor. The scammers even fabricated images of Pitt in a hospital bed, claiming he needed money for kidney cancer treatment. Eventually, cybersecurity experts traced the scam back to a small group in Nigeria, revealing 34 other victims.
Namibia’s former First Lady, Monica Geingos, has also been targeted by AI-driven scams. Fraudsters manipulated videos and voice recordings of Geingos to promote fake forex investment schemes. Despite repeated warnings, scammers continue to exploit her identity by altering usernames and using Namibian bank account details to appear credible.
Scammers have also used AI to impersonate South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, businessman Johann Rupert, and actor Keanu Reeves, attempting to lure victims into fraudulent schemes. The rise of deepfake technology has made it easier than ever for criminals to manipulate images and voices to build credibility and deceive unsuspecting individuals.
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Protecting yourself from digital deception
These cases highlight the growing danger of AI-driven fraud, where scammers manipulate voices, images, and identities to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Governments and cybersecurity experts emphasise the importance of verifying social media accounts, avoiding unsolicited investment offers, and reporting suspicious activity.
As scams evolve, vigilance remains the best defense. Whether impersonating government officials, celebrities, or business leaders, fraudsters rely on public trust to operate. By staying informed and skeptical of online interactions, individuals can avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated digital deceptions.