The internet is rife with scams, and one particularly insidious scheme involves exploiting the popularity of celebrities to promote bogus products. Recently, singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson has become the unwitting face of a deceptive marketing campaign for weight loss gummies. This article aims to debunk the claims surrounding these gummies and expose the tactics used by scammers to mislead consumers.
The Allure of Quick Weight Loss and Celebrity Endorsements
The desire for rapid weight loss is a powerful motivator, and scammers capitalize on this by promising effortless results through products like keto weight loss gummies. These advertisements often feature celebrities, whose endorsements lend an air of credibility to the product. However, these endorsements are frequently fabricated using AI and deceptive editing techniques.
The Kelly Clarkson Deepfake Scam
One prevalent scam involves altered videos of Kelly Clarkson seemingly promoting keto weight loss gummies. In these deepfake videos, Clarkson appears to claim that she lost weight without dieting or exercise, attributing her transformation to the gummies. The scammers even create a sense of urgency by offering the product for free in limited quantities.
However, these videos are entirely fake. As Clarkson herself and her representatives have confirmed, she has never endorsed any weight loss gummies. The scammers use AI to manipulate existing footage of Clarkson, making it appear as though she is promoting the product.
Identifying Deepfake Red Flags
While deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, there are still telltale signs that can help you identify them. According to Siwei Lyu, a computer science professor and expert in deepfake detection, inconsistencies in lip movements and speech patterns are common indicators. For example, the deepfake videos of Clarkson often show her mouth open when it should be closed for bilabial sounds (sounds made using both lips, such as "b," "p," and "m").
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Kelly Clarkson's Real Weight Loss Journey
It's important to note that Kelly Clarkson has been open about her weight loss journey, which involved following the guidance in a book called "The Plant Paradox." This book advocates for avoiding specific foods, including soy, sugar, sweeteners, beans, and grains. Clarkson's weight loss is attributable to these dietary changes, not to any weight loss gummies.
The SlimFusion Keto ACV Gummies Scam
Another scam involves SlimFusion Keto ACV Gummies, which are falsely advertised with Kelly Clarkson's endorsement and claims of being featured on the "Today" show. These claims are entirely false. Kelly Clarkson has never endorsed SlimFusion Keto ACV Gummies or any similar product.
It's crucial to be wary of such scams, as they often involve fake reviews and misleading information. Scammers may also use product names and company names without permission, further blurring the lines between legitimate products and fraudulent schemes.
The Shark Tank Connection
Scammers frequently exploit the popularity of the TV show "Shark Tank" to promote their products. They falsely claim that the sharks (investors on the show) have endorsed keto gummies or other weight loss supplements. However, Shark Tank executive producer Clay Newbill has stated that the show does not feature or endorse keto diet pills.
The sharks themselves are also fed up with the fraud. Investor Kevin O'Leary has stated that he does not take weight loss pills or use any of the products falsely advertised with his endorsement.
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How to Spot Fake News Stories and Scams
In addition to deepfakes and celebrity endorsements, scammers also create fake online news stories that appear to be from trusted news sources. These stories often feature celebrities who supposedly achieved miraculous results using the advertised product.
Here are some tips for spotting these fake news stories and scams:
- Check the URL: Fake news stories often have URLs that are different from the official news source.
- Check the Menu Buttons: The links on fake news sites often redirect to product advertisements rather than to other sections of the news site.
- Check the Testimonials: Fake testimonials are often used to add credibility to the product.
- Be wary of unrealistic promises: Scammers often make unrealistic promises about weight loss, such as losing 30 pounds in 30 days or losing weight without diet or exercise.
The Dangers of "Free Trials" and Automatic Renewals
Many of these scams involve "free trials" that require you to pay for shipping and handling. However, these trials often come with hidden terms and conditions, such as automatic renewals and exorbitant monthly fees.
In one example, a consumer clicked on an ad for Keto 101 weight loss pills that offered a free 30-day supply for just $4.95 shipping and handling. However, the terms and conditions revealed that the free trial period was only 14 days and that the consumer would be billed $89.99 for the pills if they did not cancel in time. Furthermore, the consumer was unknowingly signed up for a "membership program" with automatic renewals, resulting in monthly shipments and charges of $89.99 until they canceled.
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