Health experts reveal warning signs of artificial intelligence ‘doctor’ scams

Patients seeking answers about their health are urged to think twice before trusting health advice from social media as experts warn videos generated by artificial intelligence are making fake medical endorsements increasingly convincing.

Interest in testosterone has grown significantly during the past year.

Google search data analyzed by men’s health platform Feel30 reveal searches for “low testosterone” now exceed 1.2 million a month, while searches for “TRT for men” increased by 94% year-to-year.

The trend comes as searches for “AI doctor” surged by 842% compared with the past year, with 866,000 searches recorded in the past month alone, according to separate Google search analysis using Glimpse.

This dramatic rise suggests a growing number of people are looking online for medical information and advice powered by artificial intelligence at the same time as advances in generative artificial intelligence are making it easier to create convincing videos, voices and endorsements that appear to come from genuine experts.

As more men search for information about fatigue, low libido, muscle loss and hormone health, clinical experts warn they are becoming an increasingly attractive target for online scams using videos generated by artificial intelligence impersonating doctors and healthcare professionals.

The warning comes as medical organizations raise concerns about deepfake videos using the identities of real physicians to promote unproven supplements, counterfeit medications and fake hormone treatments, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine medical advice from sophisticated fraud.

“[Artificial intelligence] has reached the point where a video can appear to show a trusted medical professional explaining the signs of low testosterone or recommending treatment, even though that person never recorded the video,” said Feel30 Clinical Advisor Anneliese Cadena. “For someone who has been struggling with symptoms and is actively searching for answers, that can be incredibly convincing.”

Low energy, reduced libido, mood changes and difficulty building muscle can all have many different causes.

No legitimate healthcare professional should diagnose testosterone deficiency or recommend treatment based solely on an online ad or short questionnaire.

“Testosterone replacement therapy is a prescription treatment that requires blood tests, a full medical assessment and ongoing monitoring,” added Cadena. “If a website promises quick results, guarantees you’ll qualify for treatment or tries to rush you into buying immediately, those are significant warning signs.”

Consumers should also be cautious of products marketed as “natural testosterone boosters” using endorsements from doctors or celebrities generated by artificial intelligence.

“A realistic-looking video isn’t proof that the person is a licensed clinician or that the information is accurate,” Cadena said. “Even legitimate medical content on social media isn’t personalized medical advice. Always speak directly with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health.”

Five signs an online advert could be fake

Feel30 says consumers should be cautious if an advertisement:

• Uses a famous doctor or medical expert without linking to a legitimate clinic.
• Guarantees dramatic increases in testosterone or muscle growth.
• Claims everyone older than a certain age needs specific treatments.
• Pressures users with countdown timers or “today only” offers.
• Links directly to buying medication without explaining medical assessment or blood testing.

Scams generated by artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly sophisticated; however, remember that experts say legitimate hormone treatment providers will always explain the diagnostic process, discuss risks and benefits as well as require appropriate clinical testing before treatment is prescribed.