The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has issued a public alert to Nigerians regarding a fraudulent AI-manipulated video circulating online that falsely promotes a government backed investment scheme promising substantial financial returns.
The deceptive video, which misuses Dr. Okonjo-Iweala's image and voice, claims to offer participants opportunities to secure and grow wealth through alleged official programs, with some versions promising earnings as high as N5 million weekly. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that this content is entirely unauthorized and urged the public to disregard it to avoid falling victim to scams.
In a statement posted on her official X account, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stated: "Just alerting Nigerians. Another fake AI-manipulated video. The authorities are handling. Just wanted to alert you to be aware of this."
She further clarified that she maintains no presence on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp, and any posts using her name or likeness on those sites should be treated as fraudulent.
This incident highlights the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes in perpetuating financial fraud, a concern echoed by cybersecurity experts who note an increase in such sophisticated scams. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala's alert serves as a reminder for individuals to verify information through official channels and report suspicious content to relevant authorities.
The World Trade Organization remains committed to promoting fair and transparent global trade practices, and Dr. Okonjo-Iweala continues to focus on her role in advancing economic development worldwide.