PASIG CITY, Philippines — In a creative move to protect his constituents from digital fraud, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has released an AI-generated music video titled “Sotto-Voce.” The video uses artificial intelligence to depict the Mayor’s likeness in a musical setting, but with a serious goal: warning the public against the rising tide of “love scams” and “investment scams.”
The release comes as a direct response to a surge in fraudulent activities where scammers use deepfake technology or impersonation to trick residents into sending money or sharing sensitive financial data.
By using AI himself, Mayor Sotto is demonstrating exactly how convincing digital manipulation can be. The “Sotto-Voce” video highlights several common red flags that residents should look out for:
- The “Love Scam”: Scammers who build fake romantic relationships online to eventually ask for emergency funds or “investment opportunities.”
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Investments: Schemes promising “guaranteed” high returns with little to no risk, often masquerading as legitimate city projects or government-backed bonds.
- Deepfake Impersonation: The video serves as a live example of how AI can be used to make it appear as though a public official is endorsing a specific product or financial scheme.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” the Mayor reminded his followers during the video’s launch. He emphasized that the City Government of Pasig will never solicit investments or personal financial help through social media direct messages or unofficial apps.
The Mayor’s office encouraged residents to always verify information through official channels, such as the verified Pasig City Public Information Office (PIO) pages or the city’s official website.
The AI video is part of a broader “Cyber-Safe Pasig” initiative. Alongside the musical warning, the city is also rolling out:
- Digital Literacy Workshops: Aimed at helping senior citizens and vulnerable groups identify phishing and social engineering tactics.
- Streamlined Reporting: A dedicated hotline within the city’s emergency response system for reporting cyber-scams and identity theft.
As AI technology becomes more accessible to both creators and criminals, “Sotto-Voce” stands as a reminder that a healthy dose of skepticism is the first line of defense in the digital age.