GBAF Logo
Finance

Bank of Italy warns over deepfake video scams using Governor Panetta

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 26, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 2, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Bank of Italy warns over deepfake video scams using Governor Panetta
cybersecurity fintech Artificial Intelligence
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

MILAN, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The Bank of Italy on Thursday warned of potential scams involving fake articles, images and videos in which Governor Fabio Panetta appears on well-known TV shows or other

Bank of Italy alerts public to deepfake videos featuring Gov. Panetta

Fabricated Media Featuring Governor Panetta

Deepfake Scam Warning Details

MILAN, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The Bank of Italy on Thursday warned of potential scams involving fake articles, images and videos in which Governor Fabio Panetta appears on well-known TV shows or other media platforms, sometimes endorsing investment products.

Complaint to Judicial Authorities

The central bank said it had filed a complaint with judicial authorities to protect the public from possible fraud and to safeguard both the institution and the governor's reputation.

AI Deepfakes Explained

It said the material was entirely fabricated, and in several cases created using artificial-intelligence techniques commonly known as deepfakes - digitally manipulated audio or video designed to convincingly imitate real people.

Reporting and Editing Credits

(Reporting by Valentina Za. Editing by Mark Potter)

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of Italy alerted the public to fake articles and videos using Governor Fabio Panetta’s likeness to pitch investments.
  • The content is fabricated using deepfake techniques and is not authorized by the central bank.
  • A formal complaint was filed with judicial authorities to protect the public and the institution’s reputation.
  • People are urged to distrust such messages, avoid sharing them, and ignore any requests made in the videos.
  • Official updates appear only on Bank of Italy’s website and verified social channels.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The Bank of Italy warned about deepfake videos and articles falsely depicting Governor Fabio Panetta endorsing investment products, urging the public to be cautious.
How are scammers using deepfakes here?
They create realistic videos and posts that imitate Panetta to lend credibility to fraudulent investment pitches, aiming to mislead viewers into engaging or investing.
How can readers verify official communications?
Check the Bank of Italy’s official website and verified social channels. Do not trust unsolicited videos or requests and avoid sharing suspicious content.

Tags

Related Articles

Image for Trump tells Fox News Iran can call US if it wants to negotiate

Trump tells Fox News Iran can call US if it wants to negotiate

Image for Australia's Wong to visit Japan, China, South Korea to discuss energy security

Australia's Wong to visit Japan, China, South Korea to discuss energy security

Image for Hungary's Magyar to meet EU's von der ​Leyen for talks on EU funds this week

Hungary's Magyar to meet EU's von der ​Leyen for talks on EU funds this week

Image for Switzerland angers Italy by claiming costs of treating Crans-Montana fire victims

Switzerland angers Italy by claiming costs of treating Crans-Montana fire victims

Image for Russian defence minister visits North Korea

Russian defence minister visits North Korea

Image for Fertiliser plant in Russia's Vologda region damaged in Ukrainian drone attack, governor says

Fertiliser plant in Russia's Vologda region damaged in Ukrainian drone attack, governor says

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category

Image for Close Brothers will not take legal action against Britain's car finance redress scheme, Sky News reports
Close Brothers will not take legal action against Britain's car finance redress scheme, Sky News reports
Image for Germany's far-right AfD rises to record 28%, INSA poll shows
Germany's far-right AfD rises to record 28%, INSA poll shows
Image for German government suspects Russia of Signal attack targeting politicians, sources say
German government suspects Russia of Signal attack targeting politicians, sources say
Image for Romania finds parts of second drone after overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Romania finds parts of second drone after overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Image for China condemns EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in sanctions package against Russia
China condemns EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in sanctions package against Russia
Image for Russian parliament speaker in North Korea to mark Pyongyang's troop deployment in Ukraine war
Russian parliament speaker in North Korea to mark Pyongyang's troop deployment in Ukraine war
Image for Macron reaffirms efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, as TotalEnergies warns of energy shortages
Macron reaffirms efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, as TotalEnergies warns of energy shortages
Image for France's Macron says EU mutual assistance clause is unambiguous
France's Macron says EU mutual assistance clause is unambiguous
Image for US to let Venezuela pay Maduro's lawyer in drug trafficking case
US to let Venezuela pay Maduro's lawyer in drug trafficking case
Image for Italy votes down equal parental leave while fathers redefine their role online
Italy votes down equal parental leave while fathers redefine their role online
Image for German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows
German auto industry faces even tougher competition as China economy slows
Image for Romania says drone fragments damage property during overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
Romania says drone fragments damage property during overnight Russian attack on Ukraine
View All Finance Posts