AKD Securities warns of deepfake scam impersonating Dhedhi, Hina Junaid

AKD Securities Limited warned investors on Monday about AI-generated and deepfake videos impersonating AKD Group Chairman Aqeel Karim Dhedhi and company Chairperson Hina Junaid, saying the content was being used to solicit funds through unauthorised investment schemes and stock-market advisory services.

In a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, the brokerage house said that unidentified individuals or groups had created fake social media accounts and pages, including on Facebook, using the names, photographs and voices of Dhedhi and Junaid, which “are being misused through AI-generated and/or deepfake video content”.

“The purpose of this activity appears to be the solicitation of funds under the name of fake & unauthorized schemes/ advisory for investing in listed securities/stocks,” the company said.

AKD Securities said it had filed a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) on September 16 seeking an investigation and registration of a case against those involved, as well as removal or blocking of the fraudulent content from the relevant platforms.

“We are pursuing all available legal remedies against those responsible for such fraudulent activities.”

“The company hereby categorically denies any connection to the fraudulent content, accounts, callers, or any website or application promoting such claims. Neither Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Hina Junaid, the company, nor any entity within the AKD Group has launched, endorsed, sponsored, authorised, or otherwise been associated with any such investment scheme, platform, account, page or group,” the listed company said.

The brokerage urged investors and the general public “to exercise caution and to refrain from engaging with, relying on, or acting upon any such unauthorised content or calls”.