Fake celebrity investment ads: how to check and what to do
Checked by The Proofmark editorial team against our methodology before publishing
The Proofmark · Our methodology
A familiar face appears in your feed. The person seems to reveal a trading app that earns money each day. Below the video, a button asks for your phone number.
Before you fill it in, check the claim. The face, voice or quote may have been used without permission. Even a real endorsement does not make an investment safe.
How do fake celebrity investment ads work?
The ad borrows trust from someone you know. It may use a changed video, a copied photo or a made-up quote. Some use AI to make a person appear to say words they never said.
That kind of altered media is called a deepfake. But a fake ad does not need AI. A false caption under a real photo can also mislead you.
The link may lead to a page that copies a news outlet. You leave your details. A caller then offers to help you open a trading account and make a first payment.
ASIC describes how fake ads, news pages and positive reviews can support the same false investment offer. A small payout may be used to build trust. It is not proof that the offer is safe.
How can I check a celebrity trading advert?
1. Check the claim away from the ad. Search for the person's name, the product and the words “fake” or “scam”. Look for their own statement or an original interview.
2. Open the real news website yourself. Search there for the story. A familiar logo on another web address does not prove that the publisher wrote it.
3. Find the business asking for your money. Write down its exact name and website. Check the firm and its permissions using our broker licence guide.
4. Separate fame from the investment. Even if the person really promoted it, check the risks and fees. Their fame does not protect your money.
If you cannot confirm the offer, do not pay to find out. A lack of search results does not prove that an ad is genuine or fake.
Can I spot a deepfake just by watching the video?
Not reliably. Odd lip movements or a strange voice can raise doubts. A smooth video can still be false. Do not base your decision on how real the face looks.
The better question is: can you confirm the claim from a source outside the advert?
Be cautious about daily profit promises, countdowns and claims that a bank or government wants the story hidden. Pressure to act quickly gives you less time to check.
Is an ad on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube proof of safety?
No. Appearing on a familiar platform does not verify the investment. Comments, likes and screenshots of profits do not replace an independent check.
Our reports on Quantum AI and British Bitcoin Profit show specific claims and linked evidence. They do not prove that every similarly named website has the same owner.
What if I already gave them my phone number?
You can still stop before paying. Do not let an unexpected caller rush you into opening an account. Do not share login codes or install software at their request.
Keep the ad link and messages, then block unwanted contact. Report the advert through the platform's reporting option.
If you also shared a password or installed something, use our guide to what to do after clicking a phishing link. The next steps depend on what you shared or downloaded.
What if I already paid after seeing the ad?
Contact your bank or payment provider promptly. Say you suspect investment fraud, identify the payment and ask about a recall or dispute and any deadline. Do not make another deposit while waiting for promised profits.
Save the payment receipt, website address and messages. Follow our first steps after a scam and use the reporting route for your country.
Do not send more money to unlock a payout. Be wary of a new caller who guarantees to get it back for a fee.
Would you like to talk through your situation?
Have the ad or website address ready. Note what you shared and whether you paid.
Discuss my situation. Free callback. We can talk through the offer and what to do if you shared details or paid. You do not need to understand how a deepfake is made. We cannot promise a refund.
Sources
Where to get help in your country
Choose your country to see where to check a company, report a scam and get help.
Choose your country to see local contacts. If it is not listed, you can ask our team for help.
🇬🇧 The United Kingdom
🔎 Check the firm
FCA Firm Checker — Search the firm name, its website, or the reference number it gave you.
🚨 Report it
Report Fraud (City of London Police) — Report online or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
↩ Ask for your money back
Financial Ombudsman Service — Complain to the firm first, then bring it here. Free, and it can order the firm to pay.
Every address above was opened and checked by us on 30 September 2026. Tell us if one has moved.
Was this article helpful?
Thank you. Your feedback helps us improve.
Your reason has been saved.
Your callback request is received.
Our team will call .
You do not need to send another request. The call is free.
Your reference:
Request a free callback
Leave your number. We will talk through what happened.
Name and phone number are required. All other details are optional.
Your saved draft has been restored.
Read next
Is a recovery service genuine? Checks before you pay
Someone promises to recover lost money? Check their identity, fees and claims. Understand direct options and get free help by phone.
Terms used in this article
More guides
Is a recovery service genuine? Checks before you pay
Someone promises to recover lost money? Check their identity, fees and claims. Understand direct options and get free help by phone.
WhatsApp investment scams: how to check a trading group
Check a WhatsApp or Telegram trading group, its expert and platform. Learn what to do after paying or receiving a withdrawal fee demand.
WhatsApp and Telegram job scams: checks and next steps
Asked to pay before getting your wages? Check a WhatsApp or Telegram job offer, protect your accounts and get clear next steps. Free phone help.
