Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has issued a strong public warning following the circulation of a fraudulent artificial intelligence generated video falsely linked to the Deputy Prime Minister.
The video, which has been shared across social media platforms and private messaging groups, is described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and harvest personal information through a malicious online link.
In a formal statement released on Monday, the Office expressed deep concern about the growing sophistication of online scams that use digitally altered content to impersonate public figures.
The Office emphasized that the circulating video is not authentic and that the Deputy Prime Minister has no connection to the message or the suspicious link attached to it.
According to the statement, the entire content was digitally fabricated with the intention of exploiting unsuspecting citizens who may click on the link or engage with the misleading message.
The Office stressed that the public should treat the content as a clear attempt at fraud. Officials highlighted that the rise of artificial intelligence tools, while transformative in many sectors, has also contributed to the increased creation of deceptive content.
Scammers are using advanced technology to imitate voices, alter images and produce videos that appear convincingly real. This development has made it more challenging for ordinary citizens to distinguish between legitimate communications and cyber threats.
To protect the public from falling victim to this type of deception, the Office provided key guidance. Citizens were strongly advised not to click on the link associated with the circulating video under any circumstances.
The Office warned that interacting with such links can expose individuals to a range of risks including identity theft, financial scams, account hacking and unauthorized access to sensitive personal information.
Once information is submitted on websites operated by scammers, it can be stored, traded or used for ongoing criminal activities.
The statement further urged the public to refrain from sharing the fraudulent content. Officials cautioned that forwarding or reposting misleading information contributes to its spread and increases the likelihood that more people will be targeted.
The public was reminded that awareness and responsible online behavior play a critical role in countering cybercrime.
The Office also highlighted that online scammers often rely on curiosity and fear to manipulate their victims. They frequently associate fraudulent content with well-known individuals or respected public offices to create a sense of legitimacy.
This tactic is not new but has become more prevalent as digital platforms grow and as cybercriminals refine their methods. Eswatini has witnessed a steady rise in online fraud incidents over the past few years, prompting government offices and law enforcement agencies to increase their vigilance and public education efforts.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparent and secure communication with the public. It encouraged citizens to rely solely on official government channels for updates, statements and announcements.
Any communication purported to come from the Deputy Prime Minister or the Office should be cross checked with official social media pages, press releases or government websites before being believed or shared.
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