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'Unbelievable': Kiwi businessman responds to investment scam using his likeness through AI

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 19 Aug 2025, 6:34pm
An AI-generated deepfake of Gareth Morgan is circling on social media. Photo / Gisborne Herald
An AI-generated deepfake of Gareth Morgan is circling on social media. Photo / Gisborne Herald

'Unbelievable': Kiwi businessman responds to investment scam using his likeness through AI

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 19 Aug 2025, 6:34pm

Former economist and investment manager Gareth Morgan was caught off-guard by an AI deepfake using his voice and likeness, and he's warned people to be careful.

The investment scam made the rounds on Facebook and Instagram and encouraged Kiwis to invest in a vaguely-defined US-based scheme.

Gareth Morgan says his daughter showed him the scam - and it almost had him fooled. 

"The only giveaway is the backdrop, I don't recognise the house behind me. But everything else - the face, the lip movements, the voice, obviously - I can't tell."

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