A sophisticated global scam operation is using deepfake videos, phony news sites, and high-pressure phone tactics to trick Richmond-based victims into investing in a fake artificial intelligence trading platform known as “Quantum AI.” The scheme has now expanded to include fake calls from the so-called “Investigations Department of Blockchain,” a non-existent authority used to intimidate victims into compliance.
The scam typically begins online, with social media ads featuring fabricated endorsements from celebrities such as Elon Musk or Richard Branson. These ads often link to websites impersonating reputable news outlets and offer early access to ‘Quantum AI,’ a supposed trading platform that claims to use quantum computing and AI for guaranteed profits.
Variations of the scam claim the victim has lost money on the blockchain or in crypto investments, and is being called to ‘send the money back.’
Victims who enter their contact information are quickly inundated with phone calls from aggressive “account managers.” Callers claim returns of 30–40% weekly and pressure targets to make an initial deposit of $250 to $500, usually via cryptocurrency platforms or wire transfer. In some cases, small withdrawals are permitted early on to build trust before encouraging victims to invest more heavily.
A new layer to the scam involves impersonators claiming to represent the “Investigations Department of Blockchain.” Callers using this title allege compliance checks or pending audits to coerce victims into providing account details or authorizing additional payments. Authorities confirm no such department exists and that these claims are designed to bolster the illusion of legitimacy.
Regulatory bodies in the UK, Ireland, and Australia have all issued warnings about Quantum AI. Investigations have uncovered networks of cloned websites, deepfake video production, and organized call centres—some based in Southeast Asia—operating the scam. In one case, a single scam operation was found to be generating over $800,000 annually in illicit proceeds. Eastern European criminals have recently moved into the scam.
Callers will often give bogus locations – Paris and London are popular – while tryng to tempt users to allow them to install spyware and remote access software on their computers so the caller can “verify their bank account.”
Consumers are urged to remain cautious of celebrity-endorsed investment platforms, unsolicited calls, and any organization claiming affiliation with blockchain enforcement. Victims in Canada are encouraged to report incidents to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or their local authorities.
“If it sounds too good to be true,” one investigator warned, “it’s probably a script read by a fraudster pretending to be Elon Musk.”
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— Chris Parry