Ferrari CEO impersonated via deepfake in scam attempt

Ferrari has now opened an internal investigation.

According to a media report, someone tried to scam Ferrari by impersonating the company's CEO Benedetto Vigna, using AI Deepfake.

As per reports, the scammer initially reached out to a Ferrari executive via WhatsApp, pretending to be the company's CEO, but using a different number and photo. The person even went a step further to set up a video call using AI Deepfake technology, wherein he even mimicked Vigna's voice and accent.

However, still finding something amiss, the exec asked the person to verify their identity by naming a book Vigna had recently recommended to him. Of course, not knowing the answer, the scammer hung up the call, saving the company from being scammed further.

Ferrari has now opened an internal investigation. Reports state that the scammer, posing as Vigna, wanted to discuss a 'China-related deal' requiring a currency-hedge transaction - something which tipped off the executive, requiring him to ask the question regarding the book recommendation.

Source: Bloomberg