His company, Berkshire Hathaway, said on Thursday that fake videos using artificial intelligence to replicate Buffett’s image and likeness are circulating on YouTube, featuring investment advice and personal commentary he never made.
In a statement titled “It’s Not Me,” Berkshire said the clips often feature digitally altered visuals that closely mimic the 95-year-old billionaire investor, but the accompanying audio is easily identifiable as computer-generated, with “flat, generic speech” that “clearly” is not Buffett’s voice.
One such video, titled “Warren Buffett: The #1 Investment Tip For Everyone Over 50 (MUST WATCH),” falsely depicts Buffett offering financial advice. Berkshire warned that “individuals who are less familiar with Mr. Buffett may believe these videos are real and be misled by the contents.”
The company added that Buffett is deeply concerned about the rapid spread of AI-driven forgeries, describing them as a “spreading virus” that could cause serious harm through misinformation and deception.
The statement comes amid rising global concern over deepfake technology — sophisticated digital tools that use artificial intelligence to generate convincing replicas of voices and faces. Such technology has been increasingly used to impersonate public figures, fueling misinformation and scams.
Earlier this year, the FBI reported several cases of AI-generated voice calls and messages used to impersonate senior U.S. officials in attempts to access personal accounts of government employees.
Buffett has previously complained about impersonation attempts. In October 2024, just weeks before the U.S. presidential election, he warned the public about fraudulent claims circulating online suggesting he had endorsed political candidates or investment products — statements he never made.
Now approaching retirement, Buffett is set to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year, with Vice Chairman Greg Abel named as his successor.
As one of the world’s most respected investors, Buffett’s name and image carry immense credibility — a fact that makes him an attractive target for digital impostors. His warning serves as another reminder of the urgent need to combat AI misinformation and verify online content, especially when it involves influential public figures.