Before You Trust That TikTok Doctor, Make Sure They're Real

You scroll through TikTok. A doctor looks you in the eye, speaks with confidence, and offers a simple solution to something you've been struggling with—weight loss, chronic pain, anxiety. The advice sounds personal. The tone feels trustworthy. It's the kind of video you want to believe.

But what if that doctor isn't real?

That's the danger with deepfake videos. Scammers use AI to create lifelike versions of medical professionals—lab coats, friendly smiles, even fake credentials. They pitch natural cures, quick fixes, and "doctor-recommended" drops. But behind the screen, there's no medical expertise—just someone trying to sell you something that may be useless, harmful, or a complete scam.

Australians alone lost over $2 billion to deepfake scams in the past year, according to the country's National Anti-Scam Centre. Globally, $200 million vanished in just the first three months of 2025 due to AI-generated voice and video fraud. In the U.S., nearly 40% of victims of deepfake voice scams reported financial loss, averaging $539 per incident. Meanwhile, video deepfakes have surged by 118%, now making up 7% of all fraud attempts worldwide.

Anatomy of a Deepfake Doctor Scam

It starts with a video: an AI-generated "doctor" speaking directly to the camera, calmly explaining how a new supplement is better than what your physician might recommend. They'll claim years of experience as a gynecologist, dietitian, or diabetes expert. The setting looks professional. The tone sounds convincing. And the product? Just a click away.

The scammers often use legitimate AI tools to build these avatars, pulling from stock faces and voices. Some even hijack the identities of real medical professionals—without permission—to promote fake versions of well-known drugs or unregulated treatments for serious conditions.

These fake doctors don't just blur the lines between real and fake—they profit from the confusion.

Scammy Deepfake Doctors That Went Viral

1. The “Gynecologist Doctor” on TikTok

An AI avatar posing as a gynecologist appeared in multiple videos dishing out wellness tips. The same digital face kept reappearing across different accounts, always promoting the same sketchy products with a confident smile. It didn't take much digging to reveal the avatar was pulled straight from an AI video tool's library.

2. Dr. Norman Swan — But Not Really

In Australia, deepfake versions of the respected Dr. Norman Swan showed up online, falsely endorsing Keto Flow + ACV and Glyco Balance supplements. Some viewers believed it—one even stopped taking their prescribed medication after seeing the video.

3. Diabetes Researcher Dr. Jonathan Shaw

Scammers used a fake version of Dr. Shaw to push the same supplements. Victims reported being tricked into signing up for monthly subscriptions, sometimes charged far more than advertised.

4. UK TV Doctors in Fake Ads

Avatars mimicking public figures like Dr. Hilary Jones and the late Dr. Michael Mosley were used in ads for bogus "miracle" gummies—none of which were approved or endorsed by the real people.

The Risks Are Real

These aren't just bad purchases. Believing in fake doctors can lead to real harm. People may delay proper treatment, quit medication, or share private health concerns with scammers. There's also a data risk—some sites promoted by these videos collect your information under shady terms.

Seniors and those with chronic conditions tend to be more vulnerable, especially when the videos hit the right emotional tone or play on health fears.

Spotting a Deepfake “Doc”

Like any scam, these videos come with warning signs:

The face looks stiff or overly smooth. Lip movements may not match the words.
The voice sounds overly polished or robotic, lacking natural tone.
The account is brand new, with few followers or only product posts.
Claims are dramatic: "Doctors hate this trick!" or "Cure diabetes naturally."
There's no mention of credible studies or medical sources.
You're pushed to buy quickly—usually through shady-looking links.

If anything feels off, pause. A real doctor won't sell miracle drops through TikTok.

The Cure: How to Stay Safe

You don't need to become a tech expert—but you do need to be cautious. Here's how to protect yourself and those around you:

Don't rely on social media for medical advice. Cross-check with trusted sources like Mayo Clinic, NHS, or your local health authority.
Never buy products directly from video links. Use tools like Bitdefender Link Checker to scan for scam websites before clicking.
Use Scamio to check suspicious claims. It can help identify scammy content in seconds.
Report fake doctors. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow you to flag misleading videos.
Talk to your loved ones. Especially older family members who may be more trusting online.

Deepfake scammers are getting better at looking real—but they're counting on you not to look too closely. Keep asking questions. Share what you know. And when it comes to your health, trust real doctors—not someone who showed up in your feed with a product to sell.