AI Scams and Deepfakes in Bermuda
AI-generated scams are not a future problem in Bermuda. In April 2025 the Cabinet Office warned residents about a fake AI-generated video that used Premier David Burt's likeness to promote an investment. Regulators and public bodies on the island have had to counter impersonation too. This Laurenceo guide explains how AI scams work, how to spot them and what to do.
AI Scams Seen in Bermuda
- The Premier deepfake, April 2025. A fake video circulating on social media used the Premier's likeness to promote an investment. The Cabinet Office told residents that officials do not promote investments on social media and urged them to check whether accounts claiming to represent officials are genuine. The AI Incident Database records it as incident 1011, noting it appeared on Facebook with Royal Gazette branding.
- Impersonation of public bodies. Caribbean panellists have noted that the Bermuda Health Council and the Bermuda Monetary Authority have both had to counter impersonations (Royal Gazette).
- Business risk. Axa XL research reported in Bermuda ranked AI misinformation among the largest perceived business risks (Royal Gazette).
How AI Scams Work
| Scam | How it works | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Deepfake endorsement | A fake video of a public figure promoting an investment or giveaway | Officials and regulators do not promote investments on social media |
| Voice cloning | A cloned voice of a relative, boss or colleague asks for urgent money or codes | Urgency, secrecy and an unusual payment method |
| Fake regulator or bank | AI-written emails, websites or calls impersonating the BMA, a bank or the Government | Requests for passwords, fees or "release" payments |
| Business email compromise | AI-polished emails changing supplier bank details | A change of payment instructions by email alone |
| Fake documents | AI-generated invoices, IDs or letters | Details that do not match records you already hold |
How to Spot a Deepfake
- Check the source, not the content. Is it on the official account or website? Bermuda Government notices appear on gov.bm.
- Look for pressure. Urgency, secrecy and "guaranteed returns" are the scam, whatever the face in the video.
- Verify on a second channel. Call back on a number you already know, never one supplied in the message.
- Agree a family code word for emergency calls, so a cloned voice cannot pass.
- Never pay "fees" to receive money, and never share one-time codes.
Where to Report in Bermuda
- Bermuda Police Service for fraud and attempted fraud.
- The Bermuda Monetary Authority for suspected investment scams or firms falsely claiming to be regulated; the BMA publishes warnings and a register of licensed entities.
- Your bank immediately if money has moved.
- The platform where the content appeared, using its impersonation reporting tool.
- The Office of the Privacy Commissioner if your personal information has been misused.
For Bermuda Businesses
Train staff on voice cloning and payment-change fraud, require call-back verification for any change of bank details, and include deepfake impersonation in your incident response plan. Regulated firms should treat AI-enabled fraud as part of the cyber and conduct risk covered by the BMA's AI guidance.
Laurenceo's View
Small jurisdictions are attractive targets: a few trusted faces carry a lot of authority. Bermuda would benefit from a single public page, maintained by Government, where residents can check official channels and current scam warnings. Laurenceo tracks AI incidents and cyber threats daily in Laurenceo Intelligence.
Questions and Answers
Has there been a deepfake in Bermuda?
Yes. In April 2025 the Cabinet Office warned about a fake AI-generated video using Premier David Burt's likeness to promote an investment. It is recorded as incident 1011 in the AI Incident Database.
How can I tell if a video is AI-generated?
Do not rely on spotting visual glitches, which are increasingly rare. Check whether it comes from the person's official account, look for pressure to act fast, and verify through a channel you already trust.
Who do I report an AI scam to in Bermuda?
The Bermuda Police Service for fraud, the Bermuda Monetary Authority for investment scams or fake regulated firms, your bank if money has moved, and the platform where the content appeared.
Sources
About the Author
Jorai Laurenceo is the Founder and Executive Director of Laurenceo, Bermuda's AI governance think tank, based in Hamilton, Bermuda. He leads Laurenceo's research on AI governance and the Bermuda Monetary Authority's AI guidance, its public consultation response and Laurenceo Intelligence. He studies Technology Management at Ontario Tech University.