From Diljit to Shah Rukh: McAfee’s Hot List exposes celebrities as scammers top eye candy

As content consumption grows, with us spending a major amount of time scrolling on social apps,  it’s imperative to stay vigilant and aware of these sophisticated scams to protect ourselves and our digital identities. To combat the AI-driven celebrity scam McAfee’s 2024 Celebrity Hacker Hotlist underscores the severity of this issue, with Orry leading the list of targeted celebrities. The new McAfee study by threat intelligence researchers reveals a disturbing trend: cybercriminals are leveraging the popularity of celebrities to create malicious websites and scams. Leading the list this year is Orhan Awatramani, known as Orry, followed by Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh and actress Alia Bhatt.

Orry’s high-profile connections make him a prime target for scammers looking to capitalize on his fame. Meanwhile, the upcoming Dil-Luminati concert tour has sparked a surge in fake ticket websites offering fraudulent discounts. In a disturbing development, actors Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh were also part of the list for their deepfakes circulating online. Virat Kohli and Shah Rukh Khan are also being exploited to promote fraudulent betting apps.

The new report by McAfee’s threat intelligence researchers highlights this growing trend. The study analyzed risky websites and misleading content associated with these celebrities, revealing how cybercriminals are exploiting their popularity to deceive unsuspecting fans. Other notable figures targeted include Deepika Padukone and cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

What is the scam? 

In today’s tech-driven world, deepfakes are fueling a surge in celebrity impersonation scams. Scammers are using AI to create highly realistic fake videos and audio clips of famous people, tricking victims into sharing personal information or financial data. This not only jeopardizes individuals’ privacy and finances but also damages the reputations of the celebrities involved. As the digital world continues to evolve, it’s crucial for consumers to be aware of these deceptive tactics and take steps to protect themselves online. Turning celeb fame into bait for deception, the cybercriminals exploit the popularity to create fraudulent websites and scams. These scams often target fans with promises of exclusive content, free tickets, or other enticing offers. However, clicking on these links or downloading attachments can lead to malware infections, data breaches, and financial losses.

• Be sceptical on social media: Social media is a hotbed for misinformation. Don’t believe everything you see, especially if it seems outrageous or too good to be true. Double-check information with reliable sources before sharing it.
• Think before you engage: Don’t like or share suspicious content, even if it involves a celebrity you love. Engaging with a scam post can make you more vulnerable.
• Spot the signs of a deepfake: Look for unnatural movements or inconsistencies in videos, like strange blinking, jerky eye movements, or odd-looking hands or teeth. Is the audio out of sync with the speaker’s lips, or does it sound distorted?
• Trust your gut: If something seems off about a celebrity endorsement or promotion, especially in video or audio format, question its legitimacy. Be wary of content that relies heavily on emotions rather than facts.
• Protect yourself online: Use security software that safeguards your identity, privacy, and devices. This will help you avoid malicious links and websites, even those promising the latest celebrity gossip. McAfee Deepfake Detector, available for AI-powered PCs, can specifically alert you to celebrity deepfake scams.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members