Ministry warns public over AI scam impersonating…

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has warned members of the public about a fraudulent online money-making scheme that uses artificial intelligence to impersonate Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane. The scam reportedly involves an AI-generated video falsely portraying Dr Musokotwane as endorsing illegal investment products. The Ministry described the content as false, misleading and deliberately deceptive, adding that the Minister does not support or associate himself with fast-money schemes of any kind.

It further stated that the unauthorised use of the Minister’s image and identity constitutes a cybercrime. The Zambia Police Service and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority have been notified and are investigating the matter with the aim of bringing those responsible to justice. The public has been strongly advised not to engage with or share the content, as doing so could lead to financial loss and possible legal consequences. The warning was contained in an official statement issued by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.