A new scam exploits Ana Botín’s image and El Mundo’s branding to lure users to unauthorized investment platforms. The CNMV has issued warnings. Manipulated media and fake endorsements are central to the scheme.
Fraudsters have launched a sophisticated scam in Spain, using the likeness of Ana Botín and the branding of El Mundo to promote unauthorized investment platforms. The scheme involves fake news articles and manipulated images, all designed to convince users that Botín has endorsed a new investment project promising returns of up to €40,000 per month.
The fraudulent websites, operating under URLs such as vynpryxstir.pro and tunovaronaririnomori.life, do not belong to the official El Mundo domain (elmundo.es/). These sites display images that appear to show Botín participating in La noche en 24 horas on RTVE and shaking hands with a man identified as Pedro Sánchez. However, analysis using Google’s Gemini AI suggests that most or all of these images were generated or altered with Google’s AI tools, as indicated by the presence of SynthID invisible watermarks.
In addition to doctored photos, the scam includes a manipulated video based on real footage from a 2022 conference featuring Botín. The fraudulent articles also reference investment platforms such as Immediate Edge and RadioCripto24, neither of which is authorized by the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) to provide investment services in Spain. The CNMV issued a warning in 2024 specifically about Immediate Edge, alerting the public to its unauthorized status.
The scam follows a familiar pattern: users are directed to fake platform websites or registration forms, where they are prompted to submit personal and banking information. The fraudulent content is part of a broader network that impersonates Spanish media outlets and public figures to lend credibility to unauthorized investment offers.
Similar tactics have been observed in other recent cases, such as a major Ponzi-style investment fraud uncovered in Valencia, where authorities detained several suspects and seized luxury assets. For more details on that case, see this report on a Valencia family arrested for orchestrating a €1 million investment scam.
Investment fraud remains a persistent threat in Spain, with scammers increasingly relying on digital manipulation and the unauthorized use of trusted brands and personalities. The CNMV regularly updates its list of unauthorized entities and urges the public to verify the legitimacy of any investment offer. Spanish authorities recommend checking official sources before providing any personal or financial information online. The use of AI-generated content in scams is a growing concern, making it more challenging for individuals to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent offers. Staying informed about the latest tactics is essential for protecting personal data and finances.
