AI fake doctors used in $6 million food ad scam, South Korean firm referred to prosecutors

A South Korean company has been caught using AI-generated fake doctors to make false advertisements for food products, leading to 8.1 billion won in sales.

The Food and Drug Safety Ministry reported the company for violating advertising laws by claiming their products could reduce "body age" and offer anti-aging effects. The company sold products like vitamin C and yeast supplements, marketing them as having effects on body tissues.

Investigations revealed that the company and its representatives operated online shopping malls and YouTube channels. They created deceptive advertisements featuring AI-generated virtual doctors, who were indistinguishable from real people. Over a nine-month period, from September of last year to May of this year, the company sold approximately 650,000 products, generating a total revenue of 8.1 billion won.

The AI doctors were used to promote the products, making claims about reducing "body age" and providing "reverse aging" effects. These advertisements were posted on social media platforms like YouTube to deceive consumers about the products' capabilities.