Chicago, Illinois — The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a growing online scam that uses artificial intelligence to create convincing deepfake videos of well-known public figures falsely promoting a supposed cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the BBB, scammers are circulating AI-generated videos on social media that appear to show celebrities endorsing honey-based supplements with claims that they can reverse dementia, restore memory, or cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Officials say the advertisements are entirely misleading and are designed to exploit families searching for hope while also collecting recurring payments from unsuspecting consumers.
Fake Celebrity Videos Used to Promote False Medical Claims
The BBB says scammers have created deepfake videos featuring public figures such as Bill Gates, Anderson Cooper, and Bruce Willis to falsely suggest they support the products.
The videos promote honey-based supplements while making extraordinary medical claims that experts say have no scientific basis.
Some advertisements also encourage consumers to enroll in subscription programs, resulting in ongoing charges after an initial purchase.
The BBB says these tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated as artificial intelligence makes fake videos appear more realistic.
Consumers Report Unauthorized Subscription Charges
In addition to misleading health claims, several consumers have reported financial problems after purchasing the products. According to complaints submitted to the BBB, buyers discovered recurring charges on their credit cards that they did not expect.
Some customers also reported significant difficulties when attempting to cancel subscriptions, obtain refunds, or contact customer service representatives.
Officials warn that what appears to be a small one-time purchase can quickly become an expensive recurring expense if consumers unknowingly agree to subscription terms.
Experts Say There Is No Proven Honey Cure
The Better Business Bureau emphasized that no scientific evidence supports claims that honey-based supplements can cure, reverse, or prevent Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or significant memory loss.
Steve J. Bernas, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, said exaggerated medical promises are often one of the clearest warning signs of fraud.
“So anybody touting that they have this medical secret that the doctors don’t have, that’s the tip-off to the rip-off. Nobody has those cures and you’re not going to get it for $20 on the internet somewhere like that.”
The Alzheimer’s Association also rejected the claims, stating that it does not endorse honey or any food, ingredient, or supplement as a proven treatment or prevention method for Alzheimer’s disease.
Meanwhile, Bill Gates’ private office confirmed that claims suggesting he supports the products are false.
How to Spot a Deepfake Health Scam
Consumer protection experts urge people to be cautious when encountering advertisements promising dramatic medical breakthroughs.
Common warning signs include:
- Claims of a “secret” cure that doctors allegedly don’t want people to know about.
- Guarantees that a product can reverse Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or severe memory loss.
- Videos featuring celebrities making surprising medical endorsements.
- High-pressure sales tactics encouraging immediate purchases.
- Automatic subscription offers hidden in the payment process.
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Officials also recommend carefully reading all terms before entering payment information online.
What to Do if You’ve Already Purchased
The BBB advises anyone experiencing unauthorized recurring charges to contact their bank or credit card provider immediately.
Consumers should also review account statements regularly, dispute unauthorized transactions when necessary, and report suspicious businesses to consumer protection agencies.
As AI-generated content becomes increasingly realistic, experts say verifying health information through trusted medical organizations remains one of the best ways to avoid falling victim to scams.
Have you ever encountered AI-generated scams or fake celebrity endorsements online? What steps do you take to verify health claims before making a purchase? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
