Purported AI-Generated Deepfake of Steven Bartlett Reportedly Used to Promote Fake WhatsApp Investment Group
A purported deepfake video of entrepreneur and BBC Dragon's Den investor Steven Bartlett circulated on Instagram in April 2025, allegedly claiming to offer exclusive stock tips and inviting users to join a WhatsApp trading group. The reported video referenced U.S. tariff policies to entice viewers with promises of rapid returns. Bartlett's team confirmed the video was fake and worked with platforms to remove it, warning that scammers were attempting to harvest contact details for further fraud.
- Date it happened
- 2025-04-23
- Organisation involved
- Unknown scammers impersonating Steven Bartlett, Scammers
- Product, system or model
- WhatsApp, Social media, Deepfake technology, Synthetic audio generation technology
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