This article is part of The Globe’s initiative to cover dis- and misinformation. E-mail us to share tips or feedback at disinfodesk@globeandmail.com.
Deceptive online posts use disinformation tactics including manipulated media and fake news reports to falsely suggest high-profile politicians like Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh are promoting investment, income or get-rich schemes that promise huge returns.
Bold claims and fake content draw in the unwary
Online posts used images of well-known politicians, typically with a shocking headline to grab attention and motivate someone to click on a provided link.
The most elaborate was a Facebook post in early October that used what appeared to be a deepfake video of Ms. Freeland in a manipulated interview promoting a scheme that could return thousands of dollars from an investment of a few hundred.
We are not linking directly to the posts in this story so they are not amplified.
Screenshot of a deepfake video of Chrystia Freeland posted to Facebook.
Shortly after these screenshots were made on Oct. 7, the video was taken down and links to the investment tool were dead.
Asked about this video, Ms. Freeland’s office confirmed it was fake and urged people to “remain vigilant when consuming information online and to use their judgment when videos and websites appear doctored and out-of-character.”
Another recent Facebook post used an image of Mr. Poilievre with a fake headline to grab attention. The post linked to a fake interview transcript about a cryptocurrency and stock trading app that claims it can pick only profitable trades. The fake article used screenshots from a March, 2023, interview Mr. Poilievre did with Hamilton TV station CHCH. Investment schemes were never raised in the original interview.
Screenshot of a website mimicking CBC News with a fake interview with Pierre Poilievre.
An ad on Newsweek put a false headline on an image of Mr. Singh. Visiting the link in the ad showed an article made to mimic the Toronto Star with a fake interview transcript that had similarities to the one with Mr. Poilievre.
Two mobile phone screenshots of an ad on Newsweek making a false claim about Jagmeet Singh (left), which links to a site with a false story mimicking the Toronto Star.
Searching for terms used in these deceptive posts revealed other examples, including one mimicking a Globe and Mail article with businessman Kevin O’Leary also discussing an investment tool in a fake interview transcript, similar to the examples above.
A website mimicking The Globe and Mail with a fake interview with Kevin O'Leary.The Globe and Mail
Tactics used by misleading posts to watch for
These posts use similar techniques to grab attention and encourage people to sign up or to spend money.
- They tend to use a bold or shocking claim about a high-profile person to get initial attention.
- The misleading post takes a user to a page made to look like a legitimate news site, giving it an air of authenticity.
- The fake content suggests there is forbidden knowledge or a fear of missing out. For example, the fake transcript with Mr. Poilievre falsely claims the Bank of Canada halted the broadcast and that the supposed investment app wasn’t meant to be shared.
- The posts prey on people’s real concerns about their finances and making ends meet.
- They often have false testimonials or endorsements.
Screenshot of supposed comments on the false Kevin O'Leary interview. Made to resemble Facebook, none of the commenting tools or interactions actually work.
The motto, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is,” applies here.
The Globe didn’t sign up for or attempt to use any of the money-making systems these deceptive posts are promoting due to privacy and security concerns. But claims of huge returns in a short time or guarantees of earnings should be treated with a great deal of skepticism.
The Globe has a guide to online scams to watch for and the Government of Canada has a page dedicated to spotting scams and fraud.