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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Will Castle

Rafael Nadal warns fans of AI-generated scams using his likeness to offer financial advice

Rafael Nadal has warned fans of AI-generated scams that are using his voice and image to offer investment advice.

Tennis icon Nadal, who won 22 grand slams throughout a legendary career, took to social media to issue the alert, deeming it as “necessary” to prevent further deception.

“In recent days, together with my team, we have detected fake videos circulating on some platforms,” he wrote on LinkedIn.

“These were generated with artificial intelligence, showing a figure that imitates my image and my voice. In those videos, I am falsely attributed with investment advice or proposals that in no case come from me.

“This is misleading advertising, completely unrelated to me. I ask you to be cautious: I have neither made nor endorsed such messages.”

Nadal, 39, also touched on the dangers of artificial intelligence and the growing challenge faced by society to distinguish between what is real and what is manipulated.

“Artificial intelligence is a tool with enormous potential, capable of bringing extraordinary progress in education, medicine, sports, and communication,” he added. “However, it can also be misused, creating false content that generates confusion and may deceive many people.

“As a society, we face the challenge of learning to distinguish between what is real and what is manipulated, and of promoting an ethical and responsible use of technology.

“Innovation is always positive when it serves people, but we must remain aware of its risks and act with critical thinking.”

Nadal retired from tennis after playing for Spain in the 2024 Davis Cup, three months after teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics.

He is enjoying life off the court, revealing in April that he does not miss the sport at all.

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