‘Steal your money’: Urgent warning after WA Premier Roger Cook appears in deepfake scam

Western Australia’s consumer watchdog has issued a warning to the public after a deepfake video emerged showing an AI-generated video showing Prime Minister Roger Cook launching an investment scam.

The pop-up video was circulating on YouTube and showed Mr Cook promoting an investment scam that offered “low investment, high returns, real results” and required a $400 investment.

Mr Cook’s fraud said the investment was “approved by the Government and open to all”.

Consumer Protection warned residents that the video was a deepfake and should not be trusted.

“This is a deepfake investment scam created using artificial intelligence to mimic the likeness and voice of the Prime Minister,” the statement said.

“Designed to steal your money and personal information.”

The watchdog said it was investigating the video and “reporting the fraudulent website to its domain host and requesting its swift removal to help prevent further spread.”

They warned residents of a “red flag” with videos using deepfake technology, including “unnatural or inconsistent eye and hand movements” and mouth movements “incompatible with the voice.”

People should also watch for “facial distortions such as blurriness, lack of symmetry, overly smooth skin, or unrealistic teeth.”