The iPhone 15 was just released by Apple last month, and popular YouTuber MrBeast is already running a giveaway for the latest device. MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is known for his expensive stunts and massive giveaways funded by his successful YouTube career. However, his most recent iPhone 15 giveaway has raised some red flags and skepticism about its legitimacy.
What is the Giveaway?
The supposed iPhone 15 giveaway sponsored by MrBeast claims that 10,000 units of the new iPhone 15 Pro will be given away. A fake MrBeast announces that viewers can enter the contest for just $2 and potentially win a brand new iPhone 15 worth over $1000.
The giveaway is being promoted through fake TikTok and YouTube videos featuring a deepfake of MrBeast. The deepfake technology allows scammers to use AI to make convincing doppelganger videos of real people like MrBeast.
MrBeast Debunks the Scam
The real MrBeast has denied any involvement or sponsorship of the fraudulent iPhone 15 giveaway. He took to social media to warn his followers that the deepfake videos were a scam designed to trick his fans.
“Lots of people are getting this deepfake scam ad of me…are social media platforms ready to handle the rise of AI deepfakes?” MrBeast tweeted. “This is a serious problem.”
He pointed out small details that reveal the videos are fake, like the robotic voice that doesn’t match his own. But he expressed concern that most people would fall for the convincing deepfake.
The Danger of “Too Good to be True”
One aspect that makes this scam particularly deceptive is MrBeast’s reputation for over-the-top giveaways. In the past, he has given away millions of dollars, cars, brand new houses, private islands, and more.
So the promise of a free iPhone 15 in exchange for just $2 seems within the realm of possibility for MrBeast fans. This makes the scam more effective on his target audience.
“His whole persona is giving away stuff for free. So it’s not unbelievable that he would give away iPhones,” said tech analyst Larry Dick. “But if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Deepfake Technology Raises New Challenges
The MrBeast iPhone 15 scam illustrates the growing threat of deepfakes and AI-generated media. The technology has improved to the point where fake videos can fool most viewers.
Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok have struggled to identify and remove deepfakes like the fake MrBeast videos. This will likely become an increasing challenge as the technology spreads.
“This demonstrates how easily scammers can duplicate anyone’s likeness and image without their consent,” said Jordan Green, an AI ethics researcher. “Deepfake technology has enormous potential for misuse by malicious actors.”
Until better detection methods are developed, viewers must stay vigilant about verifying any unbelievable offers they see online. Content creators also need to monitor their image being misused for scams.
Don’t Fall for the iPhone 15 Scam
MrBeast reminded his followers not to fall for the fake iPhone 15 giveaway ads, no matter how convincing they may seem. “Please don’t send money to any fake lookalike accounts,” he warned. “I’m not doing any iPhone 15 giveaways.”
While MrBeast is known for his sweepstakes and prizes, he does not currently have any active iPhone 15 contest or promotion. Any such offers in his name can be assumed fraudulent.
Stay safe online by avoiding giveaways that seem too good to be true, like a free $1000 phone. And always verify that social media posts actually come from the claimed source before trusting them.
Key Takeaways
- MrBeast has disavowed fake ads for an iPhone 15 giveaway using deepfakes of him
- Scammers made convincing videos with a fake MrBeast to trick fans
- Viewers should be wary of unbelievable contests and verify real sources
- Deepfake technology is being misused more frequently for scams
- MrBeast reminded fans not to send money to any fake accounts or offers