New AI Scams Alert: Fake AI Video Generators Promoted on Social Media

Artificial intelligence (AI) got everyone excited. Thus, as the CyberFlow cybersecurity team had anticipated, it has become fertile ground for cybercriminals. Since everyone wants to try powerful AI tools, scammers exploit this enthusiasm by spreading various AI scams.

The latest such scam involves fake AI video generators promoted on social media platforms, especially Facebook and LinkedIn. However, instead of professional-looking videos, people who use these fake AI tools end up getting malware on their devices.

Free Video Generators: The New Face of AI Scams

This recent and massive campaign is targeting users on Facebook and LinkedIn with posts promoting free AI video generator tools. What makes this situation more dangerous compared to other AI video scams is the level of organisation and reach. The campaign has been running since November 2024, and involves thousands of fake paid ads or promoted posts.

Here is how it works:

• the scammers create fake websites that look like legitimate AI services
• they use known brand names like Canva, Midjourney or Luna AI
• next, they promote these sites on social media through boosted posts and ads
• the ads promise amazing text-to-video capabilities, for free or as a special limited-time deal

What makes these LinkedIn and Facebook AI scam operations particularly dangerous is their scale and sophistication. The scammers run more than 30 different websites, constantly rotating domain names and creating fresh advertisements daily to avoid detection. They use both hacked accounts and newly created profiles to spread their malicious links, making them harder to track and shut down.

How the AI Malware Attack Works

When victims click on the ad and land on the fake websites, they’re prompted to download what appears to be AI video generation software. However, they actually install a dangerous piece of AI malware called Starkveil dropper.

As the CyberFlow cybersecurity services team has tested and proven, this malware is particularly sneaky. Users have to run the program twice before it fully takes control of their computer. After the first try to run the AI video generator, it displays a fake error message.

This makes most users think that something went wrong. Thus, they try running the software again. This is when the real damage begins.

Once fully activated, the malware deploys multiple dangerous components, including:

• XWorm backdoor
• Frostrift backdoor
• GRIMPULL downloader.

These tools work together to steal various types of information from infected devices, such as:

• passwords
• financial data
• business documents.

The scammers receive this stolen information through various communication channels.

How to Protect Your Devices and Business Data from These AI Scams

The Cyberflow team recommends following these best practices to stay safe from all kinds of AI scams:

• Scrutinise ads with a critical eye: You should be suspicious of any social media posts or advertisements with unusually high view counts that promise any premium service for free, especially if they ask you to download and install software.
• Skip sponsored search results: Don’t click on sponsored search results when looking for AI tools. Cybercriminals often hijack paid results by outbidding legitimate companies, thus making their malicious websites appear first in search results.
• Analyse URLs carefully: Look closely at provided website addresses, which may imitate legitimate services, but contain small differences or typos.
• Look for red flags: Watch out for ads with too-good-to-be-true offers, urgent deadlines, or unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
• Download from trusted sources only: Only download AI software or tools from official websites, verified app stores, or well-known technology platforms.
• Research before downloading: Take time to verify any AI tool before installation by looking for reviews from reputable technology publications and user feedback from trusted sources.

Let CyberFlow Implement Essential Security Measures in Your IT Network!

Using the most advanced cybersecurity solutions is the best protection against these evolving AI scams and threats. CyberFlow believes in a proactive approach – one that prevents users from opening suspicious links or installing software from unauthorised sources.

Scammers get increasingly sophisticated with the help of AI – so you should mount the most sophisticated defence available. Get in touch with us today!