07-05-2025
Jersey cyber security experts warns islanders to protect themselves against deepfake video scams
ITV Channel reporter Emma Volney reflects on the rise in AI scams and asks an expert how to spot them
A cyber security expert in Jersey is urging members of the public to act "logically, rather than emotionally" when using social media in order to protect themselves against online scammers.
It comes as a deepfake video recently circulated on social media appears to show Jersey's Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham in conversation with ITV Channel's Emma Volney, discussing a new "government-backed investment programme".
Generated using artificial intelligence (AI), the deepfake video claims to offer islanders £800 per week if they sign up to the new 'government scheme' and invest £200.
The fake voice of 'Lyndon Farnham' states, "This has nothing to do with FOREX trading, pyramid schemes, and other nonsense found everywhere" in an attempt to reassure viewers of the scheme's legitimacy.
The voice adds that if investors do not earn £800 within a week, "I am willing to give you your money back out of my own pocket".
It also urges viewers to act quickly, warning that if they close the web tab, "their link will expire and so will their chance to profit" because "it's impossible to give everyone access to this financial platform and have everyone become millionaires".
However, this video is completely false and was generated by scammers to encourage people to hand over their money and sensitive information.
Deepfake videos take pre-existing footage, audio, and pictures to create new content depicting events that never happened.
Relying on AI tools such as facial recognition and machine learning software, they are often very difficult to identify as false.
Matt Palmer, director of Jersey's Cyber Security Centre, says this type of scam is likely to become more commonplace as technology advances.
"It's quite scary the way that people can pull these together in a way that you could very easily assume is real," he says.
"I think the reality is we are going to see more and more of these with the advancement of artificial intelligence tools.
"They're great for us as resources - but also good for organised crime, hackers, and people who'd like to do us harm."
However, Mr Palmer believes the "telltale signs of a scam" have not changed and islanders are still able to take simple steps to protect themselves.
How can I identify a deepfake?
Video quality: Is the video high-quality? Is there a degree of 'jitteriness' that is unexpected?
Mr Palmer says this will "get harder to spot" as technology advances but at the moment, AI-generated content tends to be of a lower quality.
Mannerisms & tone of voice: Is the person in the video acting as you'd expect them to? Is the language they're using typical? Have you seen them speak or act that way before?
Mr Palmer says the "ideal target for a scammer is somebody who generates an emotional response, because that will get people to respond more quickly"; hence why trusted community figures such as Lyndon Farnham or Emma Volney are being used.
He adds that if this person is acting or speaking in a way that feels unfamiliar, it could be a sign the video is not real.
"If you watch the video, you will see they're saying 'you must act now' and 'you must fill your details in on this website or you will lose this opportunity'", Mr Palmer says.
He adds: "In a normal transaction you know if you walk away and come back, that's completely normal.
"If people are asking us not to, it's because they're trying to short-circuit those thought processes and instead ask us to act emotionally: so don't act emotionally, think it all through."
Logic & reason: Does the video use understandable language? Do you understand what it is selling you? Are the offers made reasonable and realistic?
"I think most islanders wouldn't claim to be experts in areas like cryptocurrency", he says, "so if you don't understand what you're investing in - don't invest".
"Ask a friend or call an expert to ask 'is this real' before proceeding", he says.
"Rather like walking in the street in an unknown town, treat the online world like something you need to be cautious of - and don't trust people unless you know who they are and what they're selling."
Deputy Farnham describes the deepfake video as "absolutely appalling".
"I'm deeply disappointed that criminals will resort to this kind of action to extort money from people," he says.
"I fear we could well see more of this as the technology improves and it becomes easier for criminals to do - it's extremely important we remain careful and cautious in our online activities."
Deputy Farnham adds that if islanders have any concerns, they should contact the Jersey Cyber Security Centre (JCSC) and if they fall victim to any scams, they should immediately contact the police.
The fake video has been reported to both the JCSC and the States of Jersey Police.
