Tom Hanks Warns About Scams Using AI-Generated Fakes
As reported in the online article Tom Hanks issues warning about AI ads for ‘wonder drugs’: ‘Do not be swindled” on FoxNews, the American actor warned about the dangers of scammers using AI to falsely imply endorsement of potentially dangerous products.
Generative AI chatbots such as Copilot, Gemini, ChatGPT, et al, make it very easy for online scammers to create deceptive content. This issue is slowly being addressed but lawmakers seem to be always one step behind online criminals.
The content below is AI-generated using Microsoft Copilot. I made some edits to the text. As well as creating a thoughtful discussion of this topic, I want this post to be an example of what can be done with AI chatbots such as Copilot.
Tom Hanks Warns About AI Ads: What You Need to Know
Recently, beloved actor Tom Hanks issued a warning about fake ads using his name, voice, and image to promote āwonder drugsā. This issue highlights the growing concern over AI-generated content and its potential misuse.
Whatās Happening?
Tom Hanks took to Instagram to alert his fans about these misleading ads. These ads are created using artificial intelligence (AI) without his permission, making it appear that he endorses these miracle cures. In reality, Hanks has no connection to these products.
Why Should This Matter?
- Scams: These ads are designed to deceive consumers into buying products that might not work or even be harmful. Hanks emphasized that he only works with his board-certified doctor for his type 2 diabetes treatment.
- Trust Issues: Seeing a familiar face like Tom Hanks might make the ad seem trustworthy. However, just because a celebrity is featured doesnāt mean the product is legitimate.
- AI Misuse: This situation is a prime example of how AI can be misused. Itās not just about cool tech; itās about how it can negatively impact daily life.
What Can Be Done?
- Be Skeptical: Always question ads that seem too good to be true, especially if they feature celebrities.
- Verify: Check the official social media accounts or websites of celebrities to see if they actually endorse the product.
- Report: If fake ads are encountered, report them to the platform where they were seen.
Tom Hanksā warning serves as a wake-up call to be more vigilant online. For more details, read the full article here.
Stay safe and smart online!
AI-generated fakes are a topic I expect to revisit repeatedly. Election season is underway in the US and experts believe voters may be exposed to many deceptive, AI-generated deep fake news stories and deceptive ads as election day approaches.