Otago warns of online scam sharing misinformation about diabetes

Professor Sir Jim Mann's likeness has been used in advertisements online to disseminate misinformation about diabetes.

The University of Otago is concerned about a deep fake video and false online story featuring one of its leading endocrinologists.

Professor Sir Jim Mann's likeness has been used in advertisements online encouraging people with type 2 diabetes to stop taking the medication Metformin and instead use alternative natural products.

A deep fake video was posted to the Facebook page 'Smart Hemp Gummies' using footage of Sir Jim, created to look and sound like a 1News clip.

His image and name were also used in a story promoting the product, 'Glyco Balance'.

Sir Jim is extremely concerned people who trust him may be misled by these advertisements in a way that could adversely influence their health.

"I was disturbed to discover what could be done with AI. Of course, one hears of it happening to other people but not until it happened to me did I realise the extent to which the technology could distort the truth," he says.

"I have lost count of the number of people who have contacted me and stopped me in the street asking me about this alleged new product."

While some people identified the video and story as a scam, many others believe it and have even asked him where they can buy the product.

Sir Jim encouraged people to source reliable information from Diabetes New Zealand or recognised health professionals.

Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson is disappointed that Sir Jim, a leading authority on diabetes who is widely respected for his knowledge on the topic worldwide, is the target of a scam, spreading misinformation.

"Sir Jim has dedicated his career to helping people. To have his reputation taken advantage of and his likeness used for nefarious purposes is highly distressing."

The New Zealand Police and Netsafe websites contain information on scams, information about how to identify them, and where to report them.