AKD Securities warns of deepfake scam impersonating Dhedhi, Hina Junaid

AKD Securities has issued a warning to investors regarding the proliferation of AI-generated and deepfake videos purportedly featuring Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, chairman of the AKD Group, and Hina Junaid, the company's chairperson. These fraudulent videos are being utilized in an attempt to solicit funds through unauthorized investment schemes and stock-market advisory services.

In a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, AKD Securities detailed the creation of fake social media accounts and pages, including those on Facebook, using the identities, photographs, and voices of Dhedhi and Junaid. These accounts are allegedly being manipulated via AI-generated and/or deepfake video content with the intent of soliciting funds under the guise of fictitious and unauthorized investment schemes.

The company revealed that they had lodged a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on September 16, requesting an investigation and the registration of a case against the perpetrators, as well as the removal or blocking of the fraudulent content from the respective platforms. AKD Securities emphatically denies any association with the fraudulent content, the accounts, callers, or any websites or applications promoting these deceptive claims.

The company reiterated that neither Dhedhi, Junaid, the AKD Group, nor any subsidiary thereof has initiated, supported, or endorsed any such investment schemes, platforms, accounts, pages, or groups. AKD Securities cautioned investors and the general public to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with, relying on, or acting upon any unauthorized content or calls.