YouTube Warns Creators About AI Deepfake Phishing Scams
Phishing remains a favorite tactic among scammers, but their methods continue to evolve. One of the latest threats is deepfake phishing, where fraudsters use AI-generated videos of recognizable individuals to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or sending money.
YouTube has issued a warning about a growing wave of AI-generated deepfake scams targeting Creators. One particularly deceptive scam features a fake video of YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, falsely claiming changes to the platform’s monetization policies. These fraudulent videos are designed to lure users into clicking malicious links or providing login credentials.
In addition to deepfake videos, scammers are sending phishing emails urging recipients to click a link to “confirm” updates to the YouTube Partner Program terms and conditions. The link, which directs users to a fake login page (studio.youtube-plus.com), is designed to steal account credentials. To create urgency, the message warns that failure to comply within seven days will result in restrictions, including the inability to upload videos, edit content, or receive revenue.
YouTube has emphasized that the platform never communicates monetization policy changes through private videos and warns users to be wary of unsolicited messages. Google also urges users to avoid clicking unknown links or downloading suspicious files, as scammers continue to exploit YouTube’s ecosystem for malicious activity.
