Reported Deepfake Video Leads to £250,000 Investment Fraud in Northern Ireland
A person in Northern Ireland reportedly lost £250,000 in an investment fraud after responding to an online advertisement featuring an AI-generated video of a well-known financial personality. The scam escalated through WhatsApp contact, remote computer access, and pressure to borrow money for further investments, according to a warning issued by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) issued a warning on September 7, 2026, after receiving a report of a substantial investment fraud. A person in Ards and North Down reportedly lost £250,000 (approximately ₹3.19 crore) after encountering an online investment advertisement. The advertisement allegedly featured an AI-generated video of a recognizable financial personality promoting an investment opportunity. After making an initial small payment, the victim was reportedly moved to WhatsApp for further communication. The fraudsters allegedly gained the victim's confidence, encouraging larger payments and persuading the person to create multiple online accounts and grant remote access to their computer under the guise of investment assistance. As the alleged fraud progressed, the victim was encouraged to invest increasingly large sums, eventually being pressured to borrow money to continue investing. The borrowed funds were then reportedly transferred to accounts controlled by the fraudsters. The victim was also allegedly told that further payments were required to release money supposedly held in the investment. By the time the case was reported, the total loss had reached £250,000. Police have not disclosed whether any funds were recovered or made any arrests in connection with this case.