Deepfake Drama: How WPP’s CEO Outsmarted Scammers

Dr Mark van Rijmenam, CSP -

Here we go. Could you be chatting with a fake CEO right now?

The CEO of WPP, Mark Read, narrowly escaped a sophisticated deepfake scam. Fraudsters, posing as Read, used a fake WhatsApp account, a voice clone, and YouTube footage in a virtual meeting.

They impersonated Read off-camera through chat, attempting to trick an agency leader into setting up a fraudulent business. Luckily, the vigilant executive detected the scam, preventing any loss. This incident is part of a growing trend of deepfake attacks targeting the corporate world.

AI voice clones have fooled banks and companies, leading to millions in losses. Read’s experience is a wake-up call for businesses to be extra cautious with digital communications. Are you prepared to spot the next deepfake scam?

Read the full article on The Guardian.

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