ISLANDERS are being warned to “watch out” for con artists attempting to imitate trusted local news sources after the Jersey Cyber Security Centre spotted another online scam featuring a fake government announcement.
The fake video, which appears to have been created using artificial intelligence, uses altered footage of former Chief Minister John Le Fondré – as well as imitating his voice – so that it looks and sounds like he is announcing a “new financial platform” and encouraging viewers to go to a website and “enter their details” to gain access to the scam programme.
As has been the case with a number of similar scams attempting to use imagery of well-known Islanders in recent months, the video also tries to imitate a JEP headline.
We take actions which can help for a while, but the fraudsters will come back – it’s whack-a-mole.”
Cyber security expert Matt Palmer
JCSC director Matt Palmer said: “The combination of AI tools and the recent reductions in social media platform moderation by big tech companies means these are going to continue and likely increase in sophistication.
“The criminal groups behind these obfuscate themselves behind different countries and technology platforms – for example we traced this one back via a hosting company in the Seychelles to internet addresses also used in the impersonation of Gary Burgess.
“We take actions to block the malicious domain names, which can help for a while, but the fraudsters will come back – it’s whack-a-mole.”
Mr Palmer stressed that while the JCSC was continuing to work with the States police and others to counter the threat, it was also important that Islanders endeavoured to “protect themselves”.
“Watch out for anything that seems too good to be true, and only click on websites you trust. Don’t click on adverts on social media platforms or posts from people you don’t know, as there can be little verification of advertisers or control over misinformation on these platforms,” he added.
“And remember, interesting local news is likely to be covered by trusted local sources such as the Jersey Evening Post. Instead of clicking on social media ads, check local news and government websites for information.”
