Leading financial media firm, Nairametrics, has issued a public disclaimer distancing its Founder and Chief Analyst, Ugo Obi-Chukwu, from a series of fraudulent AI-generated videos circulating online that falsely portray him promoting stock investment groups.
The company said the videos, which have been widely shared across social media platforms, are not authentic and were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive unsuspecting investors into joining dubious schemes.
According to Nairametrics, the manipulated clips use artificial intelligence to mimic Obi-Chukwu’s voice and likeness, urging viewers to join private groups where they are promised guidance on what stocks to invest in.
What they are saying
The media platform categorically stated that neither its founder nor any of its representatives operate or endorse such investment groups, warning the public to disregard any such messages.
- “Nairametrics and its Founder do not solicit funds, run investment clubs, or provide stock recommendations via WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, or any similar platforms,” the company said.
The company advised the public to verify investment information through official channels and avoid engaging with unsolicited financial advice shared via social media or messaging platforms.
Investors are also encouraged to be wary of any platform that guarantees returns or pressures them to make quick financial decisions, as these are common red flags associated with scams.
Nairametrics reiterated its commitment to providing credible, data-driven financial information and urged readers to rely solely on its verified platforms for insights related to the capital market.
The disclaimer comes amid a growing wave of AI-enabled financial scams, where fraudsters deploy deepfake technology to impersonate credible public figures in a bid to gain trust and lure victims.
Prominent Nigerian business leaders, including Ibukun Awosika, have also been targeted, with doctored videos used in online advertisements, particularly on Facebook, to promote fraudulent investment opportunities.
Industry observers say the increasing sophistication of such content makes it more difficult for the average investor to distinguish between genuine and fake endorsements.
In a similar development, Access Bank last weekend issued a public disclaimer warning Nigerians to beware of fraudulent WhatsApp groups operating under the name “Value Growth Club,” where scammers are impersonating its former chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
The scammers were said to be invoking his name alongside Gotham Capital to gain credibility and attract unsuspecting participants into fake investment schemes.
According to Access Bank, independent checks confirmed that Aig-Imoukhuede has no connection whatsoever to the WhatsApp groups or any associated investment platforms.
This is one of the biggest threats facing our world today.
Reliance on social media is now the chief source of misinformation and mis informed beliefs.
It’s a threat that can destroy a nation.
We may all need to revert to Dubai style and China style regulation.