Fraudsters employed the use of diphecks in their car sales, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Deepfake Car Sales Scams Targeting Russians on the Rise
In a warning issued by the Russian Interior Ministry in August 2025, citizens have been advised to exercise caution when buying used cars, particularly online, due to an increase in deepfake scams. This scheme involves the use of deepfake technology to create convincing video and audio content of respected automotive experts or bloggers, aiming to deceive potential buyers.
The scammers employ social engineering tactics such as creating urgency ("price valid only that day") and providing fake document scans to pressure victims into quick transactions without proper verification, increasing the likelihood of fraud. The scammers exploit the trustworthiness and reputation of these public figures by cloning their appearance and voice, thereby generating an illusion of authenticity.
The Interior Ministry did not specify the exact number of cases related to this scheme. However, it is noteworthy that this is not an isolated incident, as the RBC Group Customs has also issued a warning about a similar car purchase scam scheme. This marks the latest in a series of statements about such schemes using deepfake technology in Russia.
The RBC Group Customs did not specify whether this scheme is aimed at deception in used car sales or stealing money from Russians. It is also unclear if scammers are using social media platforms to reach potential victims. However, it is known that scammers posing as heads of Russian regions are using deepfake technology to mimic their identity during short video calls.
The scammers claim urgency in sales, offering lower prices compared to market value and providing fake documents such as passports and registrations. Victims are advised to exercise caution, maintain digital hygiene, and be skeptical of "burning" or urgent offers, even if they appear to come from a trusted celebrity or expert.
This trend of using AI and deepfake technology in financial and transactional frauds is not limited to Russia. Scammers apply psychological pressure, forcing citizens to hand over money in various schemes. As technology advances, it is crucial for individuals to stay vigilant and verify the authenticity of any transactions, especially those involving large sums of money or valuable items.
[1] Russian Interior Ministry Warning: Deepfake Car Sales Scams on the Rise, [News Source] [2] RBC Group Customs Warns of New Car Purchase Scam Scheme, [News Source] [3] AI and Deepfake Scams: A Growing Threat Worldwide, [News Source]
- The increase in deepfake car sales scams in Russia, as warned by the Russian Interior Ministry, is an example of how technology, particularly deepfake technology, is being used maliciously in general-news contexts like crime and justice.
- The use of deepfake technology by scammers posing as respected automotive experts or bloggers in car sales scams is a method of deception, highlighting the need for the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of transactions, especially in the era of advanced technology.
