Warning: Online scams involving David Suzuki circulating
VANCOUVER | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORIES OF THE xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (MUSQUEAM), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (SQUAMISH) AND səlilwətaɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) FIRST NATIONS — The David Suzuki Foundation has been informed of several fake news stories, ads and videos circulating online that falsely claim to be endorsed by David Suzuki or the David Suzuki Foundation.
As AI-generated misinformation becomes increasingly sophisticated, it is becoming much more difficult for people to distinguish between legitimate content and false or manipulated material. Many of these fake ads and videos link to websites selling products, sharing disinformation or promoting financial scams.
Neither David Suzuki nor the David Suzuki Foundation endorses or sells products or services. We will never appear in a news article, advertisement or video encouraging the purchase of specific products or services. Any content that suggests otherwise is false.
The Foundation has reported known instances of this misinformation to relevant authorities. However, as new scams continue to emerge, we encourage the public to remain vigilant to help limit the spread of false content, which can mislead people, facilitate fraud and result in financial and digital security harms.
Members of the public are encouraged to watch for common warning signs, including sensational or exaggerated headlines, claims that over-promise results or content that relies on testimonials rather than evidence. Before clicking on links, examine website URLs. Sites may closely resemble legitimate news outlets or the David Suzuki Foundation’s website while using slightly altered web addresses.
If you see a fake news story, advertisement or video, report it directly to the platform where it appears. Submit a complaint to the Competition Bureau of Canada and contact the Anti-Fraud Centre.
These incidents underscore the growing importance of media literacy in this digital age. Fake news leads to political polarization, climate denialism, science skepticism and more. Improving everyone’s ability to tell the difference between real and false information is important to the Foundation’s ability to carry out our mission to protect nature’s diversity and the wellbeing of all life, now and for the future.
If you have any further information, please contact the Foundation.
– 30 –
For more information, please contact:
Craig Long, Senior Communications Manager: clong@davidsuzuki.org, 604-732-4228 x1262