An investigation by the Cybercrime Prosecution Directorate is underway after the discovery of a fake-fabricated article on the internet depicting a public figure, through a supposed interview, allegedly promoting investment platforms.
As it became known from the police, there was a related complaint, according to which the “advertisement” in question initially appeared as sponsored on a social network, which redirected to a website that contained the article, even bearing a news website logo.
An urgent investigation ensued, from which it emerged that from the article page internet users were being redirected to a different website where they were urged to fill in their details in order to get in touch with the supposed investment platform. Also, due to the risk of defrauding citizens, the necessary actions were taken to remove the fraudulent advertisement while the relevant prosecuting authority was informed, which ordered a preliminary examination.
According to ELAS, the case in question refers to an attempt to deceive citizens through alleged investment platforms that promise increased profits in a short period of time (Investment Fraud). In these cases, in order to become more persuasive, the astute use highly recognizable persons (politicians, journalists, artists, scientists, etc.), through digitally processed videos (deepfakes) or fake-constructed interviews.
In this context, the police recommend that citizens be especially careful, in order not to be deceived in similar cases. In particular, it recommends:
• Be especially wary when you see advertisements for investment programs on the Internet that promise high returns, even when they appear to be participated by high-profile and well-known people.
• Do not invest your money in services without being absolutely sure of their reliability.
• Be wary of being approached by phone or email from overseas investment companies.
• Look for information on the reliability of the investment companies that approach you.
• Ask for the terms and conditions before making any transaction.
• Before making any provision of your information or investment decision, check whether the company has a license from the Capital Market Commission or the Bank of Greece or a European passport.
• Refer to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s list of warnings for the investing public, at the link http://www.hcmc.gr/el/warnings1 .
• Be wary if the offer seems too good to be true. We think twice before we click. #ThinkB4UClick
• Contact the police if you are a victim of fraud.
To this end, the notification of the Hellenic Police Headquarters regarding attempts to deceive through Deepfake videos is also recalled: https://tinyurl.com/5n6tm6nh
For similar cases or to provide information or reports of illegal or intrusive acts or activities carried out over the internet, citizens can contact, anonymously or by name, the Electronic Crime Prosecution Directorate, at the following contact details:
• Telephone: 11188
• By sending an e-mail to the address [email protected]
• Via gov.gr in the section Citizen and Daily life / Complaints / Complaints about cybercrimes
• Via twitter: @CyberAlertGR
• Through the application for smart phones: CYBERKID.