Unauthorized Digital Replicas Target Fragrance Followers
Alessandro Malandruccolo discovered unauthorized deepfake video advertisements on Facebook and Instagram featuring his digital likeness promoting a perfume he never endorsed, as reported by Latina Oggi. The fragrance entrepreneur, known on social media as Alex Perfume, found that the altered footage uses his face and voice from previously published social media clips. Artificial intelligence was used to edit the material, making it appear as though he is presenting an unfamiliar commercial product.
Shady Sales Tactics and Concealed Origins
The deceptive promotional campaign directs users who click the advertisement links to poorly maintained e-commerce pages operating outside official retail channels. According to Malandruccolo’s statements reported by Latina Oggi, the mystery merchant offers the fragrance exclusively through cash-on-delivery terms while concealing the identity and origin of the producing company. The entrepreneur noted that the unauthorized ads deliberately target his most-watched videos to exploit the trust he has built with his followers over time.
Formal Legal Counsel Retained
Malandruccolo has formally retained legal counsel to stop the unauthorized use of his digital identity and address the misleading commercial practices. The legal action seeks to identify the operators behind the fraudulent ad campaigns and the unverified sales portals. The entrepreneur warned that consumers face direct financial risks when purchasing items marketed through fabricated endorsements from trusted public figures, as buyers assume they are purchasing a tested product backed by a genuine recommendation.
The Wider Threat of Synthetic Endorsements
The incident highlights the growing threat of generative artificial intelligence being deployed to manufacture fake endorsements without consent. Because malicious actors can manipulate video footage to fabricate actions and statements never performed by the subject, distinguishing authentic media from synthetic fabrications becomes increasingly difficult for everyday social media users. Malandruccolo advises the public to exercise caution and completely avoid promotional links and commercial offers that use recognizable faces without directing to official verified channels.
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