Facebook scam ads have evolved beyond the days of misspelled headlines and sketchy product photos. Today, many are powered by artificial intelligence, fueled by deepfake technology and distributed at scale through Facebook’s own ad system. From fake crypto endorsements by celebrities to malware disguised as video game betas, the landscape of digital scams is smarter, faster and more dangerous than ever.
Scammers used to rely on low-effort clickbait, but that era is over. Now, sophisticated schemes are leveraging AI-generated content. Technology is being used to create convincing videos of celebrities endorsing fake products or services. These ads exploit the trust users place in public figures and the perceived legitimacy of Facebook’s advertising platform. These tools can mimic a person’s appearance and voice with alarming accuracy, making it challenging for users to discern real from fake. And these tools are no longer out of reach. Scammers use a mix of freely available AI generators and private networks to mass-produce scam campaigns that look more real than ever.
On Reddit, users have posted screenshots of bizarre scam ads that made it through Facebook’s filters: One features an AI-generated video of Kelly Clarkson promoting a suspicious cash giveaway. There are reportedly over 20 accounts using variations of the name “Kelly Clarkson Live.” These ads ask users to comment “Christmas” to receive free money, then instruct them to contact a WhatsApp number to claim their prize, which is a common tactic used to harvest personal information or initiate payment scams.
Another uses Billie Eilish’s face to endorse a knockoff shopping site. The design mimics standard e-commerce ads, making it easy to fall for, especially for fans or younger users.
These scams are not the work of lone fraudsters. They are coordinated efforts that mirror real digital marketing operations. These operations are designed to appear legitimate. Landing pages mimic reputable news sites. Comment sections feature AI-written praise. Every element is optimized to build trust and get the click.
Scammers do not just blast out ads at random. They use Facebook’s ad targeting system to handpick the most vulnerable audiences. These groups are targeted because they are either perceived as trusting, impulsive or unfamiliar with how digital scams operate.
Despite Meta’s claims of robust ad review systems, scam ads still make it through frequently and quickly. Here is why: Even with tools like facial recognition being tested to detect unauthorized celebrity use, these systems have not been widely implemented. Meanwhile, investigations by consumer advocacy groups and cybersecurity firms have found that a significant portion of crypto-related Facebook ads are fraudulent. With scammers paying for ad space, Meta has little financial incentive to aggressively remove them.
Scam ads can be surprisingly well-made, but common themes show up again and again. Watch for: If an ad prompts you to download a file, especially a .zip or .rar, it is almost certainly a trap. Here is how to stay safe and help others do the same: Check the source, do not download files from ads, verify endorsements, report suspicious ads, talk to friends and family, be wary of unsolicited messages or friend requests, install strong antivirus software, consider using a password manager, turn on two-factor authentication, regularly update your software and apps, and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web.
Scam ads on Facebook are evolving fast, using AI-generated content, fake celebrity endorsements and deepfakes to trick users into clicking. What looks like a game beta or cash giveaway can actually lead to malware, phishing scams or fake crypto schemes. Facebook’s ad review system isn’t catching these in time, which means users need to stay alert. Be skeptical of ads, avoid downloading files, install trusted antivirus software and talk to family members who may be more vulnerable.