The rapid spread of artificial intelligence across everyday life has brought remarkable innovation, but it has also opened the door to more sophisticated forms of deception (Brandao, 2025). One of the most concerning developments is the rise of deepfakes, AI-generated audio and video content that convincingly imitates real people (Alanazi et al., 2025). While artificial intelligence has transformed industries such as healthcare, education, and entertainment (see Rashid & Kausik, 2024). It has also become a powerful tool for cybercriminals seeking new ways to manipulate trust and exploit vulnerable populations.Traditional online fraud is not new. Long before deepfakes, scammers relied on emotional manipulation, impersonation, and false promises to deceive victims. Romance scams, inheritance fraud, lottery scams, advance-fee fraud, and impersonation schemes became common across social media, dating platforms, and email communication. Investigative YouTubers such as Pleasant Green have extensively exposed these operations, often tracing them to young fraud networks in parts of West Africa, particularly Nigeria (www.youtube.com/@PleasantGreen). In many cases, scammers used fake identities, stolen profile pictures, and carefully scripted conversations to build trust before requesting money. These scams relied heavily on text messages and static images, but the emergence of deepfake technology has significantly elevated the scale of deception. Fraudsters can now simulate live video calls, clone voices, and create convincing endorsements from public figures, making scams far more difficult to detect. Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to generate fake images, videos, and audio (Alanazi & Asif, 2024). As the technology improves, the results are becoming increasingly realistic, making it difficult to distinguish deepfakes from genuine content. Deepfakes create exciting possibilities for entertainment, education, advertising, and film production. Unfortunately, the darker side of this innovation is becoming more visible as fraudsters and cybercriminals exploit its potential for sophisticated deception.
Soups Ranjan, CEO of fraud prevention company Sardine, warned that AI-driven fraud is poised for rapid growth (Lazar, 2025). He stated that “AI-generated fraud is going to be the biggest growth industry of all time,” adding that “it is really easy nowadays to create a deepfake video of someone else.” During a demonstration, Ranjan and his team showed how readily available applications could transform a person’s appearance in real time. Using a consumer app, they altered consumer investigator Kristine Lazar’s image to resemble pop star Taylor Swift, creating a convincing deepfake within minutes. This demonstration highlighted how accessible and dangerous the technology has become. Since the first widely reported case in 2019, deepfake fraud has grown into a serious threat to individuals, businesses, and governments (Stupp, 2019). Accenture reports that the trading of deepfake tools on the dark web increased by 223% between 2023 and 2024 (Viio, 2025). This dramatic rise reflects how rapidly fraudsters are adopting synthetic media to improve their schemes. In 2025, deepfake technology became central to a fraudulent online investment scheme in Ghana that falsely claimed endorsement from John Dramani Mahama and the Ghana Oil Company (Gh Extractives, 2025). The scheme, known as the “GOIL Project,” appeared as YouTube advertisements and promised unrealistic monthly profits of over GHC15,000 for a minimum investment of GHC3,000. It preyed on public trust in government institutions and recognisable public figures. At the centre of the scam was the alleged involvement of Edward Abambire Bawa, whose name was used to create a sense of insider credibility. However, official verification confirmed that neither GOIL nor any government authority had initiated such a programme. What made this case particularly alarming was not just the false financial promise, but the method of delivery. Scammers reportedly used AI-generated voice cloning to mimic President Mahama, creating the illusion that he was personally endorsing the investment opportunity. For many viewers, especially those casually encountering the content on social media, the videos appeared authentic and trustworthy.
This incident highlights a broader and deeply troubling trend: the use of deepfake technology to manipulate public perception and exploit vulnerable populations. Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook have become fertile ground for such content because of their wide reach and algorithm-driven visibility. Although these platforms have policies against misinformation, the speed and volume at which deepfakes are produced often outpace moderation efforts. For older adults who are newly navigating digital spaces, distinguishing between real and manipulated content can be especially difficult. Many may not yet have the digital literacy skills needed to critically assess what they see and hear online.Detecting deepfakes requires a combination of technical awareness and critical thinking. One of the most common warning signs lies in the synchronisation between speech and facial movement. In many deepfake videos, the movement of the mouth may appear slightly out of sync with the audio, especially during fast speech or complex facial expressions. There may also be unnatural blinking patterns, blurred edges around the face, or inconsistencies in lighting and shadows. When viewed closely, distortions in facial features or a lack of fine detail, particularly around the eyes and teeth may become visible. Audio deepfakes may contain robotic tones, unusual pauses, or unnatural emphasis on certain words.
Beyond visual and auditory clues, context is equally important. If a video makes extraordinary claims, such as guaranteed high returns on investment, it should immediately raise suspicion. Legitimate financial institutions and government agencies do not operate through informal social media announcements or promise fixed, high profits with low risk. Cross-checking such claims with official sources is essential. Visiting verified websites or checking statements from credible news outlets can quickly reveal whether the information is legitimate. The social implications of deepfakes extend far beyond financial fraud. They threaten to erode trust in public figures, institutions, and even reality itself. When people can no longer distinguish between what is real and what is fabricated, society becomes vulnerable to misinformation, political manipulation, and social unrest. For countries like Ghana, where digital adoption is rapidly increasing, this presents a unique challenge. The inclusion of older populations in digital spaces is a positive development, but it must be accompanied by targeted education on digital safety and media literacy. Addressing this issue requires a multi-layered approach. Governments and institutions must invest in public awareness campaigns that educate citizens about the risks of deepfakes and how to identify them. Social media platforms must strengthen their detection and moderation systems while making it easier for users to report suspicious content. At the community level, younger and more tech-savvy individuals can play an important role by guiding older family members on how to navigate online information safely. Simple habits such as verifying sources, remaining skeptical of sensational claims, and avoiding impulsive financial decisions can go a long way in preventing exploitation.
Reference
Alanazi, S., & Asif, S. (2024). Exploring deepfake technology: Creation, consequences and countermeasures. Human-Intelligent Systems Integration, 6(1), 49-60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42454-024-00054-8
Alanazi, S., Asif, S., Caird-daley, A., & Moulitsas, I. (2025). Unmasking deepfakes: A multidisciplinary examination of social impacts and regulatory responses. Human-Intelligent Systems Integration, 7(1), 131-153. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42454-025-00060-4
Brandao, P. R. (2025). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Society. AI, 6(8), 190. https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6080190
Gh Extractives,. (2025). Fake ‘GOIL investment project’ circulates online- Mahama’s voice cloned in scam video. ghextractives.com. https://ghextractives.com/fake-goil-investment-project-circulates-online-mahamas-voice-cloned-in-scam-video/
Lazar, K. (2025). Deepfake demonstration shows sophistication of AI editing tools .. www.cbsnews.com. April 29, 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/deep-fakes-ai-tools-scammers-identity-theft-cybersecurity/
Rashid, A. B., & Kausik, M. A. K. (2024). AI revolutionizing industries worldwide: A comprehensive overview of its diverse applications. Hybrid Advances, 7, 100277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hybadv.2024.100277
Stupp, C. (2019). Fraudsters Used AI to Mimic CEO’s Voice in Unusual Cybercrime Case Scams using artificial intelligence are a new challenge for companies. www.wsj.com. April 29, 2026. https://www.wsj.com/articles/fraudsters-use-ai-to-mimic-ceos-voice-in-unusual-cybercrime-case-11567157402
Viio, K. (2025). Deepfake fraud: How to spot and prevent AI-powered scams. cyberchecksecurity.com. April 29, 2026. https://cyberchecksecurity.com/insights
