Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has launched an AI-generated music video aimed at alerting the public about the dangers of investment and love scams. This initiative comes in response to the growing prevalence of misleading videos that utilize his image and voice.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Sotto addressed the issue on May 5, highlighting the alarming rise in online financial crimes. He noted that scammers are increasingly using sophisticated AI tools to create deceptive content.
The lyrics of his music video reflect his concern: "Lola, Lolo, sana alam niyo na ‘di lahat ng mga video ay totoo..." which translates to a warning about the authenticity of online videos. He urged viewers to be vigilant, especially as fake videos become harder to distinguish from the real thing.
Growing Threat of Online Scams
Sotto emphasized that online financial fraud is now more widespread than drug-related crimes globally. He cautioned, "Kaya please mag-iingat po tayo" (so please let’s be careful). He pointed out that both investment scams and love scams are still rampant.
The scary part is that AI and these scams will only get better.
Vico Sotto
He warned that future scams could involve video calls featuring deepfake technology, making it even more challenging to identify fraud. Sotto urged everyone, particularly vulnerable family members, to stay informed and cautious.
Despite the humorous approach of his music video, Sotto stressed the seriousness of the issue. He shared that he has spoken with individuals who have fallen victim to such scams, pointing out that fake news has already impacted many, even before the advent of deepfake technology.