Health professionals in Australia are raising alarms over a troubling scam involving AI-generated fake doctor profiles that are misleading patients with dangerous medical advice. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has issued a warning after uncovering multiple sophisticated fake accounts that not only offer dubious medical guidance but also promote unapproved medications while falsely claiming regulatory approval.
None of these profiles, which present themselves as legitimate medical practitioners, are listed in Australia’s official medical register. This growing threat has prompted serious concern among health officials, who emphasize the potential risks posed by such deception.
Increasing Sophistication of Scams
Danielle McMullen, President of the AMA, stated that the advancement of artificial intelligence makes these scams increasingly difficult to detect. “AI is getting so advanced that it looks and feels real, but these are entirely fake. These aren’t real doctors. It’s not real health information,” she explained. McMullen highlighted that these scams not only aim to defraud individuals of their money but also contribute to the spread of medical misinformation, which can have severe consequences for unsuspecting patients.
The fraudulent profiles often employ sensational language, promising “miracle cures” or disclosing “secrets your doctor never told you.” Such claims raise red flags, prompting McMullen to advise the public to remain cautious. She recommended that people be vigilant about content that seems too good to be true and to scrutinize the quality of the language used, noting that poor grammar and unusual images can indicate a scam. “Sometimes the photos are obviously fake. If someone’s got three arms, chances are it’s an AI profile,” she cautioned.
Protecting Public Health
To combat this growing issue, McMullen urges Australians to verify health information through trusted sources. She emphasizes the importance of consulting a qualified general practitioner for any health-related queries. “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,” McMullen said.
The situation is further complicated by scammers impersonating real medical professionals, making it more challenging for the public to discern credible health advice from false information online. McMullen is advocating for social media platforms to implement stricter identification processes for legitimate health professionals and to take more aggressive action against fraudulent accounts.
The AMA continues to work towards safeguarding public health amid these challenges, urging vigilance and education as key strategies for countering the threats posed by these deceptive practices.
