Santander has launched a new campaign featuring deepfake videos to warn the public about the rising threat of AI-driven scams. The initiative, in partnership with financial influencer Mr Money Jar, aims to educate people on the dangers of deepfakes—videos, images, or audio manipulated by AI to misrepresent individuals or organizations.
Recent research by Santander reveals that over half of Brits (53%) are unfamiliar with the term “deepfake” or misunderstand its meaning, and only 17% feel confident they could identify a deepfake video. The campaign's deepfake videos, which feature Mr Money Jar and Santander's Head of Fraud Risk Management, Chris Ainsley, showcase just how realistic these fakes can be, with the goal of raising awareness and providing tips on how to avoid falling victim to such scams.
The study also shows that more than a third (36%) of Brits have encountered a deepfake, with social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram being common places to see them. The top concern for Brits is that deepfakes will be used to steal money (54%), followed by fears of election manipulation (46%) and the creation of fake biometric data (43%).
Ainsley emphasizes the need for vigilance as AI technology advances, warning that it’s only a matter of time before scams involving deepfakes become more common. Mr Money Jar advises the public to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true and to verify the legitimacy of individuals and companies through trusted sources.
