Fake Online Ads Target Micheál Martin and Other Irish Leaders in Deepfake Investment Scam Again

Beware: Scam Ads Using Micheál Martin's Image to Promote Fake Investments

Yinka Dixon ~ 15 July 2025

A concerning trend is resurfacing online!! Scam advertisements falsely claiming that the Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin is endorsing a so-called "lucrative" investment scheme.

This is entirely false.

In recent days, I came across one of these ads on social media. It was hosted on an obscure website with an image-heavy layout. 

It featured headlines like “Martin’s latest move shocks the banks!” or “Ireland's Prime Minister urges citizens to invest now!”

This is a common scam tactic aimed at luring people into parting with their money. DON'T FALL FOR IT.

The ad linked to a page that mimicked legitimate news sites but pushed users to deposit funds into what appeared to be a crypto-based platform.

‼️ What is Really Happening?

These ads are part of a growing wave of deepfake and impersonation scams that exploit the names and images of high-profile figures.

They’re not endorsed by any government, politician, or legitimate financial institution. 

Similar scams have misused other Irish leaders like Leo Varadkar, and even international public figures, to promote fake investment platforms.

🔎 The Facts

• Micheál Martin has publicly disavowed any connection to these scams.
• In 2023, he took legal action against Google to uncover those responsible for the fraudulent ads.
• These scam ads have been viewed millions of times according to The Irish Times and Independent.ie.
• The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau continues to warn the public about AI-generated scams.

🛡 How to Protect Yourself

• Never trust investment ads with sensational headlines using celebrity or political endorsements.
• If an ad urges urgency or guaranteed profits... it is a red flag.!!
• Always check the domain name. Example: floridatwirling.com is not a credible news source.
• Report scams to platforms like Facebook or via FraudSmart.ie.

💬 Final Thoughts

In our fast-moving digital age, scammers have learned to weaponize trust. But we can fight back with awareness, critical thinking, and community vigilance.

Let’s stay alert, share this information, and protect one another, especially our seniors, newcomers, and digital beginners.

🙌 And on a Final Note...

Micheál Martin is the current Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) since January 2025. He is a Fianna Fáil party politician who previously served as Taoiseach from 2020 to 2022, then as Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence from 2022 to 2025. He has led the Fianna Fáil party since 2011 and was Opposition Leader from 2011 to 2020. (Wikipedia).

Written by

Dr. Yinka Dixon, PhD (hc), CIPM, MPM, PME

Member – National Union of Journalists (UK and Ireland)

Public Interest Journalist | Digital Educator | Publisher.

BookPreneur | Seniors Transitions Coach | Migration & Scholarship Advocate

Designated Safeguarding Lead | Mental Health & Suicide Prevention 1st Responder.

Higher Diploma – Women in Leadership & Politics

Vocational Education Management

Founder – New Beginnings Impact Journal

Publisher – New Beginnings Publications Ltd

📩 Contact: https://t.me/NBPCSTelegram

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🔖 #ScamAlert #FakeNews #AIScams #MicheálMartin #InvestmentScam #DigitalSafety #Deepfake #OnlineFraud #NewBeginningsJournal #IrelandNews #PublicAwareness

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