Illegal Use of AI Deepfakes of Celebrities and Doctors Fuels Fraudulent Health Supplement Sales in Brazil
Brazil faces a surge in fraudulent health supplement sales using AI-generated deepfakes of celebrities and doctors, exposing consumers to unproven medical claims and potential health risks.
- • AI and deepfake technology create fictitious doctors and impersonate celebrities promoting unapproved supplements in Brazil.
- • Supplements claim to cure diseases without Anvisa approval, misleading consumers with false efficacy claims.
- • Medical experts warn of no scientific evidence supporting these products and caution on health risks.
- • Celebrities like Drauzio Varella and Ana Maria Braga publicly denounce unauthorized use of their images.
Key details
In Brazil, fraudulent online sales of dietary supplements are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology. Scammers create fictitious medical professionals and manipulate images of well-known personalities such as Dr. Drauzio Varella and Ana Maria Braga to promote supplements with unproven medical claims.
These deceptive advertisements falsely promise cures for illnesses not recognized by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). Supplements like 'Diurie Fit Black,' 'Prosterite,' 'GlicoControl,' and 'Diavance' are marketed as treatments for conditions including high blood pressure, prostate issues, and diabetes, often asserting Anvisa approval—claims that are unsubstantiated. A TikTok account with over 141,000 followers disseminates conspiratorial narratives, alleging that real health professionals have been silenced or harmed for exposing pharmaceutical industry secrets, with videos receiving upwards of 500,000 views.
Medical experts strongly warn against trusting such supplements. Vinicius Meneguette of the Brazilian Urology Society highlights the absence of scientific evidence validating these products, cautioning that reliance on them can delay proper medical care. Specialists in diabetes and ophthalmology also confirm the lack of scientific support for the supplements’ purported benefits.
Celebrities affected by the misuse of their images have publicly condemned these practices. Both Dr. Drauzio Varella and Ana Maria Braga have spoken out against unauthorized use of their likenesses in advertisements designed to deceive consumers.
Consumer complaints to platforms like Reclame Aqui reflect widespread inefficacy of these supplements. The proliferation of AI-fabricated doctors and celebrity deepfakes represents a troubling evolution in health product scams, posing significant risks to public health and highlighting the urgent need for consumer vigilance and regulatory intervention.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.