Taylor Swift deepfakes used in TikTok scam ads: Report finds

Taylor Swift has become one of the most prominent celebrity faces in a growing wave of AI-powered scam ads spreading across TikTok, highlighting the mounting struggle social media companies face in controlling deepfake fraud.

According to new findings from authentication company Copyleaks, scammers are increasingly using realistic AI-generated videos of celebrities including Swift and Rihanna to promote questionable money-making schemes and fake rewards programs. 

Many of the manipulated clips are designed to look like genuine red carpet interviews, podcast appearances or talk-show endorsements.

In one widely circulated ad, an AI version of Swift urges users to sign up for a service branded as “TikTok Pay,” falsely claiming viewers can earn money simply by watching videos and offering feedback. 

While some ads mimic TikTok’s official branding, users are ultimately redirected to third-party websites that request personal details and account information.

The trend underscores how convincing celebrity deepfakes are becoming an everyday scam tool across major digital platforms. 

TikTok has already faced scrutiny this year after separate investigations uncovered dozens of ads promoting AI deepfake services and misleading synthetic content.

The misuse comes as Swift herself moves to fight back against artificial intelligence impersonation. 

The singer recently filed trademark applications covering elements of her voice and likeness in what experts say is an emerging legal strategy to combat unauthorized AI cloning.

Analysts warn that as deepfake quality improves, celebrity trust signals are rapidly becoming one of the internet’s most effective new tools for social engineering fraud.