UPDATE: Health professionals across Australia are raising alarms about a dangerous new scam involving AI-generated fake doctor profiles that are misleading unsuspecting patients online. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has just issued an urgent alert, revealing that sophisticated fake accounts are offering fraudulent medical advice and promoting unapproved medicines.
These deceptive profiles, designed to look convincing, do not appear on Australia’s official medical register, putting countless Australians at risk. AMA President Danielle McMullen warns that these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making them difficult to detect. “AI is getting so advanced that it looks and feels real, but these are entirely fake,” she stated. “These aren’t real doctors. It’s not real health information.”
The fake profiles often use shocking claims, employing phrases like “something your doctor never told you” or promoting “miracle cures” and “secrets you’ve been waiting for.” McMullen emphasizes caution, urging Australians to be skeptical of any health claims that sound too good to be true. “Look out for poor English, typos, and obviously fake photos,” she advised.
“Sometimes the photos are obviously fake. If someone’s got three arms, chances are it’s an AI profile,” she added, highlighting the absurdity that can accompany these scams. The AMA recommends verifying health information with trusted general practitioners (GPs) and relying on reputable sources, such as government and Department of Health websites.
The implications of these scams are severe, as they not only target financial resources but also spread harmful medical misinformation. “It’s really sickening,” McMullen expressed, urging the public to remain vigilant.
Moreover, scammers are impersonating real medical professionals, complicating the public’s ability to discern legitimate health advice online. McMullen is calling on social media companies to strengthen identification processes for real health professionals and to intensify efforts to eliminate malicious fake profiles from their platforms.
As this situation develops, Australians are advised to stay informed and cautious. The rise of AI technology has made it easier for these scams to flourish, and immediate action is needed to protect the public.
For anyone seeking health-related information, McMullen stresses, “As always, with any health question, our first piece of advice is ‘go see your GP’. We’re there and ready for any weird and wonderful question you may have.”
Stay alert and share this critical information to protect your loved ones from these dangerous scams.
