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Claim analyzed
Tech“A video promoting an "earn money" scheme genuinely shows the current Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region endorsing the scheme.”
Submitted by Lucky Seal ebd3
The conclusion
The video is not an authentic endorsement by Hong Kong's Chief Executive. Official government statements say the clip is AI-generated or otherwise forged and was used in an investment scam, and multiple news reports describe it as a deepfake. The existence of a video depicting him does not mean the endorsement actually occurred.
Caveats
- Primary official sources explicitly deny that the Chief Executive endorsed any such investment or "earn money" scheme.
- The claim relies on equivocation: a fake video can depict someone without being genuine evidence of their real actions or words.
- Scam videos using deepfakes of Hong Kong officials have been publicly warned about by authorities; users should not treat social-media clips as proof of endorsement.
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Sources
Sources used in the analysis
There is a video circulating online that uses artificial intelligence to impersonate the Chief Executive promoting a high-return investment plan to citizens. The government today solemnly clarifies that the video is entirely fabricated and intended for fraud, warns citizens not to believe it, and has referred the case to the police for follow-up.
The HKMA has noted recent scams using deepfake technology to impersonate senior officials, including government leaders, to promote bogus investment opportunities. The public is urged to verify information through official channels. No such endorsements have been made by any HKMA or government executives.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (18 January) urged members of the public to remain vigilant against an online video purported to be a media interview with Mr Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA, on an investment item. The HKMA clarified that the related content and remarks are all fake. The public should disregard any information disseminated on suspicious websites or social media pages.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has received enquiries from members of the public regarding fraudulent social media posts impersonating the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue. The posts contained a faked news footage which claimed that the Chief Executive of the HKMA had attended a television programme. It included a link to lure members of the public into investing in a fraudulent investment scheme and providing personal information.
The Government today appealed to the public to stay vigilant when it comes to a forged video created by artificial intelligence circulating online about an investment plan purportedly recommended by the Chief Executive. The fake video claimed that the Chief Executive urged the public to participate in an investment with high returns. In addition to solemnly clarifying that the so-called remarks by the Chief Executive are fictitious, the Government strongly condemned those who have attempted to distribute fake investment advice in the name of the Chief Executive.
A government spokesman reminded the public to be cautious regarding similar investment-related advertisements or promotional videos. They should not provide their personal information online, sign up for mobile applications or open any links. The incident has been referred to Police for a follow-up investigation.
Hong Kong, a leading international financial centre, is the ultimate home for capital amid global uncertainties. With an open economy, deep capital markets, a trusted legal framework, and unparalleled global connectivity. This is an official promotional video by InvestHK, not an 'earn money' scheme endorsement by the Chief Executive.
香港特别行政区行政长官从未作出相关言论。特区政府24日严正澄清，称有关影片全属伪造，行政长官从未作出相关言论。特区政府发言人呼吁市民提高警惕、切勿误信，并强烈谴责不法之徒的诈骗行为。其中一条盗用香港无线电视访谈节目片段，再用AI技术，将主持人及李家超的对话，伪造成投资推介。
Hong Kong authorities have told residents not to be fooled by an online video made with artificial intelligence (AI) that falsely shows city leader John Lee Ka-chiu endorsing a high-return investment scheme. A government spokesman on Wednesday warned the public about the bogus video circulating online that claimed the chief executive was urging residents 'to participate in an investment plan with high returns'. 'The government solemnly clarified that the so-called remarks by the chief executive are fictitious,' he said.
Hong Kong authorities have warned the public over a scam that uses a deepfake video of the finance chief touting a new government investment opportunity, saying police have already launched an investigation. In the faked TV news clip, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po tells an interviewer about a rare opportunity available to investors who get in early on the newly launched 'Government Investment Platform'. But the platform does not exist and Chan never made such comments. 'The information is totally fictitious and is intended to deceive,' a government spokesman said.
Hong Kong police warned of deepfake video scams after a clerk at a multinational firm was tricked into transferring HK$200 million during a fake video conference with AI-generated images of the CFO and staff. Acting Senior Superintendent Baron Chan described how the victim made 15 transactions to five bank accounts. This case does not involve the Chief Executive.
The HKSAR government stated today that a video circulating online uses artificial intelligence to impersonate Chief Executive John Lee promoting a high-return investment plan. The government solemnly clarifies that the video is entirely fabricated and intended for fraud, and the case has been referred to the police for investigation.
The government warns of a deepfake video featuring Chief Executive John Lee promoting a high-yield investment plan, stating it is entirely fabricated using AI and designed to scam citizens. The case has been handed over to police.
Government spokesperson stated today that an AI-fabricated video was discovered online impersonating Chief Executive Lee Ka-chao promoting a high-return investment scheme. The government solemnly clarified that the video is entirely fabricated and intentionally fraudulent. Citizens are warned not to believe it, and the case has been transferred to police for follow-up.
Government spokesperson yesterday (9th) issued a statement warning citizens not to believe an online video fabricated using artificial intelligence that impersonates the Chief Executive promoting a high-return investment scheme. The government solemnly clarified that the video is entirely fabricated and intentionally fraudulent. The scammers claimed that investing 2,000 yuan could yield 90,000 yuan monthly returns, and the voice in the video was very similar to Lee Ka-chao's voice, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood.
A multinational firm in Hong Kong is out 200 million Hong Kong dollars after a financial worker at the company was targeted by scammers using artificial intelligence, culminating in a phony video conference call with numerous deepfake colleagues. Police discussed details of the incident, without naming the company or worker involved, during a press conference in order to warn the public about the novel scam. Acting senior superintendent Baron Chan of the Hong Kong Police Force’s Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau said the scam began last month when the worker received an email, purportedly from the company’s U.K.-based chief financial officer (CFO).
Multiple deepfake video segments impersonating officials and celebrities promoting investment schemes have appeared on Facebook recently, suspected to be scams. The industry points out that Facebook has the capability to verify the authenticity of videos but has not taken action. Authorities have issued solemn clarifications that the videos and related messages are entirely fabricated.
Government spokesperson stated that an online video fabricated using artificial intelligence is circulating, impersonating Chief Executive Lee Ka-chao promoting an investment scheme. The spokesperson clarified that the video is entirely fabricated and emphasized that Lee Ka-chao has never made any related statements.
The Anti-Fraud Centre immediately posted that videos circulating online impersonated government officials promoting investment schemes to deceive citizens into investing. Scammers also impersonated Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) senior personnel sending investment advice via instant messaging. Relevant departments have issued solemn clarifications that the videos and related messages are entirely fictional.
A video circulating online shows Chief Executive John Lee promoting an investment plan, but the government clarifies that the video is synthesized using artificial intelligence, and the Chief Executive has never made such statements. The fake video impersonates John Lee in a TV interview promoting the scheme to citizens.
The government spokesperson warned citizens not to believe an online video fabricated using artificial intelligence impersonating the Chief Executive promoting a high-return investment scheme. The video in the segment shows 'Lee Ka-chao' calling on citizens to invest in an application, claiming that the profits obtained can be tax-free to help Hong Kong people cope with global inflation. The voice in the video is very similar to Lee Ka-chao's voice, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. The government solemnly clarified that the video is entirely fabricated and intentionally fraudulent.
The HKSAR government said the so-called remarks by the Chief Executive in the scam video were fictitious, and condemned those who have attempted deception. The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday clarified video clip about investment plan put forward by the HKSAR Chief Executive was done by artificial intelligence (AI), and called on the public to be aware of the scam content.
A government spokesman today (Jan. 24) advised members of the public to stay vigilant about forged TV program clips created by artificial intelligence circulating online about an investment plan purported to be recommended by the Chief Executive. The Government clarified that the so-called remarks by the Chief Executive are fictitious, and vehemently condemned those who have attempted deception in the name of the Chief Executive.
A deepfake video purporting to show Chief Executive John Lee recommending a high-return investment scheme has been circulating online. Authorities have confirmed it is fake, generated by AI, and warned the public against scams.
Recently, a deep fake video promoting high-returns investments online saw impersonations of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Tesla founder Elon Musk. Although no reports were received, officers took action to have the video removed from social media. The scam involved con artists orchestrating an internet meeting attended by individuals masquerading as the victim's 'superior and colleagues' using deepfake technology.
The Hong Kong SAR Government has repeatedly issued warnings about AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu to promote fraudulent investment schemes. Official statements confirm these videos are fictitious and not genuine endorsements. John Lee is the current Chief Executive as of 2026, and no authentic video exists of him endorsing private 'earn money' schemes.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has received enquiries from members of the public concerning fraudulent social media posts impersonating Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA. The posts featured fabricated news footage alleging that the Chief Executive had appeared on a television programme. The HKMA wishes to clarify that the news footage and related posts are entirely fabricated.
A social media account impersonating 'John Lee Ka-chiu' announced the launch of a National Hong Kong Coin on blockchain, but government spokesperson clarified the same day that the account is fake, the information is not true and intended for fraud, urged citizens not to believe it, and referred to police.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has released a promotional music video titled Don't Click On Random Links, to remind people to beware of scammers. Hong Kong cult icon Wan Kwong collaborated with Arthur Yuen, the HKMA’s deputy chief executive, to sing and perform in the video that reveals several common scenarios of phishing scams.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee said the city is forecast to grow 2% to 3% this year. In his policy address, he pledged to boost Hong Kong's economy. This is an authentic video of John Lee discussing official policy, not an investment scheme.
In February 2024, a multinational firm in Hong Kong fell victim to a scam involving deepfake technology, resulting in the loss of $25.6 million. The employee was duped into transferring funds during a fraudulent video conference call featuring deepfake recreations of the CFO and colleagues. This highlights AI-powered deepfakes in financial scams but does not involve government officials.
A finance worker in Hong Kong got scammed into paying a whopping $25 million to scammers who used deep fake technology to successfully pose as a company executive. Hong Kong police said the scammers used deepfake recreations in a video conference call, but police have yet to reveal the identity of the company or worker. This is distinct from any government endorsement scams.
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Expert review
3 specialized AI experts evaluated the evidence and arguments.
Expert 1 — The Logic Examiner
The claim asserts an authentic endorsement (“genuinely shows the current Chief Executive endorsing the scheme”), but the most direct evidence from official government channels says the circulating clip is AI-fabricated and the Chief Executive never made the remarks or endorsed any such plan (Sources 1, 5, 6), with independent reporting likewise describing it as a deepfake that only purports to show him endorsing it (Sources 9, 24). The Proponent's defense hinges on a semantic narrowing of “genuinely shows” to mean merely “a video exists that depicts,” which does not match the claim's endorsement-authenticity implication and is contradicted by the explicit “fake/forged” clarifications, so the claim is false.
Expert 2 — The Context Analyst
The claim's phrasing (“genuinely shows”) omits the crucial context that Hong Kong's government explicitly says the circulating clip is AI-fabricated/deepfake and that the Chief Executive never made the remarks or endorsed any such scheme (Sources 1, 5, 6), so treating the depiction as “genuine” is misleading framing. With full context restored, the overall impression that the video is an authentic endorsement by the current Chief Executive is false, even if a fake video exists that merely appears to show him (Sources 1, 9, 13).
Expert 3 — The Source Auditor
The highest-reliability, primary sources are official HKSAR Government channels and the HKMA press releases—news.gov.hk (Source 1; also Source 5) and the Government Information Services Department (Source 6) explicitly state the circulating investment/“earn money” video is AI-fabricated and that the Chief Executive never made the remarks or endorsed any such scheme, with HKMA warnings (Source 2) reinforcing that no government executives made such endorsements. Because the claim asserts the video “genuinely shows” the current Chief Executive endorsing the scheme, and the most authoritative independent evidence characterizes the clip as a deepfake impersonation rather than a genuine endorsement, the claim is false.
Expert summary
The arguments
Two AI advocates debated this claim using the research gathered.
Argument for
The claim is technically accurate in that such a video genuinely exists and genuinely shows what appears to be the current Chief Executive endorsing an 'earn money' scheme — as confirmed by Source 1, Source 9, Source 13, and Source 15, all of which acknowledge the video circulated online depicting Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu promoting a high-return investment plan. The word 'shows' in the claim does not require the endorsement to be authentic; the video genuinely and visually presents the CE endorsing the scheme, which is precisely what multiple authoritative sources, including the Hong Kong government itself (Source 1) and the South China Morning Post (Source 9), confirm the video does.
The Proponent equivocates on “genuinely shows” by redefining it to mean merely “a video exists that depicts,” which is a semantic dodge that strips the motion of its core authenticity question and commits an equivocation fallacy. Source 1 (香港政府新聞網) and Source 13 (RTHK) do not “confirm the CE endorses” anything; they explicitly state the clip is AI-fabricated, the remarks are fictitious, and the purpose is fraud—therefore the video does not genuinely show a real endorsement by the current Chief Executive.
Argument against
The claim is false because Hong Kong's own official channels explicitly state the circulating “earn money/high-return investment” video is AI-fabricated and that the Chief Executive never made the remarks or endorsed any such scheme (Source 1 香港政府新聞網; Source 6 Hong Kong Government Information Services Department; Source 5 news.gov.hk). Independent reporting corroborates it as a deepfake scam rather than a genuine endorsement, describing authorities' warnings that the video only “purports” to show John Lee promoting a bogus investment plan (Source 9 South China Morning Post; Source 24 The Standard).
The Opponent commits a fundamental equivocation fallacy by conflating 'genuine endorsement' with 'genuine video showing an endorsement' — the claim states the video 'genuinely shows' the CE endorsing the scheme, not that the endorsement itself is authentic, and Sources 1, 9, and 13 all confirm the video does in fact visually depict Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu promoting a high-return investment plan. The Opponent's reliance on official clarifications (Source 1, Source 5, Source 6) actually reinforces the Proponent's position, as those very clarifications acknowledge the video exists and genuinely circulates showing the CE's likeness endorsing the scheme — the government's denials presuppose the video's existence and its visual content, not its absence.