Uruguay BCU Warns: AI-Generated Ads Use Orsi’s Image for Investment Fraud

Scammers are getting more clever. They now use smart computer programs, like artificial intelligence, to create fake ads that look very real. These ads can even show public figures, like President Yamandú Orsi, promoting bad investments. Because of this, the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU) is warning everyone about misleading ads on social media.

These fake ads try to get people to join fraudulent saving and investment plans. Juan Pedro Cantera, who oversees financial services, urged people to be extra careful. He spoke specifically to investors and those saving money. He warned them before they consider joining such proposals.

The BCU gave some important advice to stay safe:

• Do not trust promises of quick or guaranteed money. Real investments almost never promise high returns without risk.
• Always check where the information comes from. If a public figure promotes a financial product, look at their official social media or company pages first.
• Never share your personal or bank details through links or forms you don’t recognize.
• Avoid downloading apps from social media links or messages. Always use official app stores instead.
• If you are unsure about any offer, talk to your own bank or financial company.

To help the public, the BCU provides a search tool. You can use it to check if a company or a person is officially registered with the Superintendency of Financial Services. This helps you know if an offer is legitimate. You can find this tool at: https://www.bcu.gub.uy/Servicios-Financieros-SSF/Paginas/buscador_Registros.aspx

Martín Vallcorba, who is an undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, shared the BCU’s warning this past Saturday. He posted it on social media. Vallcorba highlighted the growing number of fake ads. He noted that these ads often use artificial intelligence to change images, voices, and videos of important people. This includes the country’s president. He said it is crucial to spread this warning from the BCU about these fraudulent investment schemes. He shared these thoughts on X.