Taiwan hospital warns of AI-faked ads using doctors' images to sell dubious cures

Hualien's Tzu Chi Hospital is sounding the alarm over a surge in sophisticated AI-generated scams targeting the public. Advertisements circulating online falsely feature the hospital's renowned physicians, including dermatology chief Hung Sung-jen, promoting products for ailments such as body odor. These fabricated commercials use altered voices and images, exploiting the deep trust the community places in Tzu Chi Hospital.

The hospital clarifies that its doctors have never endorsed any commercial products. This includes not only Hung but also other leading figures like hospital superintendent Lin Hsin-jung and vice CEO Kuo Han-chung, whose likenesses have also been misused in recent years. Scammers are deliberately leveraging the hospital's "golden signboard" to defraud people in eastern Taiwan.

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The hospital emphasizes that Tzu Chi physicians absolutely will not, and have never, endorsed any commercial products. Any product recommendation online attributed to a Tzu Chi physician is 100% a scam.

To combat this growing threat, Tzu Chi Hospital has launched a "Fraud Prevention Zone" on its official website. This resource provides the latest alerts and clarifications to help the public discern genuine information from rampant disinformation. The hospital strongly urges everyone to remain vigilant and report any fake advertisements impersonating Tzu Chi physicians on social media or messaging platforms. They also emphasize that seeking medical advice requires an in-person consultation, warning against relying on unverified online remedies or purchasing dubious medications.

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Illness requires in-person medical attention. Healthcare relies on precise diagnosis and individual assessment. If you feel unwell, you must see a doctor at the hospital and not believe online remedies or purchase unverified medications.