The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public against online investment scams that use artificial intelligence (AI) to fabricate endorsements from Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.

In a recent advisory, the corporate regulator noted it has received reports of social media pages and digital accounts distributing manipulated videos, images, and audio tracks that mimic Sotto’s likeness and voice.

The SEC stated these materials are engineered to create a false impression that the local official guarantees the validity of several financial syndicates, some of which promise fixed monthly distributions or risk-free profits.

“The public is advised that such representations may be false, misleading, and intended to induce individuals to invest money in unauthorized or potentially fraudulent schemes,” the SEC warned.

It added that “the unauthorized use of a public official's identity, image, or likeness to promote investment opportunities does not constitute proof of legitimacy, registration, or regulatory approval.”

Consequently, the SEC strongly urged the public to exercise extreme caution and to avoid, disregard, or report any scheme promoted solely through these deepfake endorsements.

The public should also refrain from sending money, depositing funds, providing personal information, or opening accounts based on representations contained in such materials.

Furthermore, investors must verify whether an entity offering investments is duly registered with the SEC and authorized to solicit investments from the public.

They should also confirm whether the specific investment product or securities offering has been registered or explicitly exempted from registration.

Finally, the SEC reminded the public that promises of guaranteed returns, risk-free profits, fixed monthly income, or extraordinary earnings with little to no risk are common indicators of investment fraud and must be treated with the utmost caution.