Warren Buffett DeepFakes on TikTok – here’s how to spot them every time

Earlier this month, Berkshire Hathaway issued warnings after artificial intelligence-generated videos featuring CEO Warren Buffett flooded social media platforms. One of the channels cited by the company has amassed more than 17,000 subscribers by posting in-depth videos generated by the artificial intelligence of the Oracle of Omaha. The visuals often sound convincing, but Berkshire notes that the audio typically features flat public speech that doesn’t resemble Buffett’s natural voice.

These scams exploit Buffett’s reputation for value investing to promote cryptocurrency giveaways and investment schemes, things he has spent years condemning. Even before the recent warnings, Buffett discussed serious concerns about this technology.

At Berkshire’s 2024 annual shareholder meeting, Buffett warned that AI-driven fraud could become “the growth industry of all time” after seeing a fake image of himself that he said was convincing.

How to spot a Buffett deepfake every time

Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to create videos that make it appear as if someone said or did something they never did. Technology has increased dramatically because AI tools have become cheaper, easier to use, and shockingly realistic. Scammers are using deepfakes to hijack trusted voices like Buffett’s, knowing that people are more likely to click – and send money – when they think a billionaire investor is offering advice. With deepfakes spreading so quickly, knowing what to look for is no longer optional:

• Sound qualityBuffett speaks in a popular, unhurried manner, pausing mid-thought, laughing at his own jokes, and letting his sentences tumble. The deepfakes of him we’ve reviewed tend to strip that away. If the beat sounds robotic or overly polished, it’s fake.
• Lip sync errors: Pay attention to his mouth when he speaks. Deepfakes distort the timing between words and lip movements. Pay attention to sounds like “p”, “b” and “m” – they need specific mouth shapes, and are often spoiled by fakes.
• Lighting inconsistencies: Does the lighting on his face match the background? Deepfakes struggle with how light reaches skin and objects in the same scene. Do you see studio lighting in the face but outdoor lighting behind Buffett? This is a red flag
• Suspicious allegationsBuffett’s promotion of cryptocurrencies or the promise of quick profits goes against everything he’s said publicly for decades. Any video of him endorsing instant wealth platforms or telling you to act now is fake.​
• Check the source: Buffett barely speaks publicly outside of Berkshire’s annual meeting. If the video isn’t from Berkshire’s verified channels or a major news outlet, don’t trust it.

What to do if you see one

Don’t share. Sharing or commenting increases their reach, even if you’re calling them out. Alternatively, report the video through the platform’s fraud reporting system. On YouTube, tap the three dots next to the video, select Report, then choose Fraud or Phishing. TikTok has similar options under its Community Guidelines reports.​​

Beware of others, especially older relatives or people new to investing, who may not recognize Buffett’s actual voice or positions. Consumers over 60 lost more money to fraud in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reports.

Only follow verified accounts. Berkshire’s official communications come through its investor relations page and major financial news outlets.

The bigger picture

Deloitte expects AI-powered fraud to reach $40 billion in the United States by 2027, compared to $12.3 billion in 2023. Pindrop, which specializes in voice fraud, found that deepfake fraud attempts rose more than 1,300% in 2024, a number that is certainly growing rapidly with the emergence of new AI-powered video tools. Meanwhile, artificial voice attacks on insurance companies jumped 475% in 2024, while banks saw a 149% increase.​

Your best defense is to treat videos now the same way you treat text messages in email: independently verify sources and ask anyone demanding immediate action.