The Baker Institute is committed to evidence-based healthcare, and we are deeply concerned by the increasing use of artificial intelligence technology to create fake and deceptive social media content targeting Australians.
Scammers are using generative AI technology to create convincing fake text, images, and videos that can be extremely difficult to distinguish from authentic content. These sophisticated fakes are being used to deceive people into purchasing unproven health products.
We have been directly targeted by deepfake video scams circulating on Facebook that falsely show our diabetes experts endorsing diabetes supplements we have never reviewed or approved. These fraudulent videos use our researchers' images and voices without permission to promote products that may be ineffective or even harmful.
How to protect yourself
Remember
The Baker Institute will never endorse specific products or supplements through social media advertisements. Our legitimate content only appears through our official website and verified social media channels.
Warning signs of scam content
- Posts of Baker Institute experts recommending that you change your medication.
- Posts or adverts endorsing specific products or supplements that aren't mentioned on our website or social media platforms.
- Videos or images that seem too polished or don't match our usual content style.
- Urgent calls to purchase products with limited-time offers.
- Content that asks you to click external links to buy products.
Report suspected scams
If you see a social media post or advertisement that you think might be using our identity fraudulently, please help us stop these scammers.
We report all fraudulent material to Meta (Facebook's parent company) and other relevant platforms, but your reports help us identify new scams faster and protect more people from being deceived.