TLDR: Berkshire Hathaway has issued a stern warning regarding the proliferation of AI-generated deepfake videos on YouTube that impersonate its chairman, Warren Buffett, and offer fraudulent investment advice. The company emphasized that while the visuals may resemble Buffett, the accompanying audio is clearly not his voice, and Buffett himself is deeply concerned about these ‘spreading virus’ of deceptive content.
Omaha, Nebraska – Investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has released an urgent public advisory concerning a surge in AI-generated deepfake videos circulating on YouTube, which falsely depict and impersonate its renowned chairman, Warren Buffett. The company’s warning, issued on Thursday, November 7, comes amidst growing concerns over the potential for these sophisticated fakes to mislead the public with fabricated investment advice.
In a press release pointedly titled ‘It’s Not Me,’ Berkshire Hathaway confirmed the existence of multiple videos featuring images that appear to be Mr. Buffett, often paired with a voice offering financial guidance he never provided. The company explicitly stated that while the visual elements might bear a resemblance to the 95-year-old ‘Oracle of Omaha,’ the audio component typically features a ‘flat, generic speech’ or a ‘monotone voice’ that is ‘clearly not the voice of Mr. Buffett.’
Warren Buffett himself has expressed significant alarm over the situation, describing these fraudulent videos as a ‘spreading virus.’ He is particularly worried that individuals less familiar with his authentic voice and mannerisms could easily be deceived by the convincing visuals and misleading content. One specific deepfake highlighted by Berkshire Hathaway is a video titled ‘Warren Buffett: The #1 Investment Tip For Everyone Over 50 (MUST WATCH),’ which contains fabricated investment recommendations.
This is not the first instance of Buffett being targeted by AI impersonators. Reports indicate he has been an increasing target, having previously warned in October 2024 about ‘fraudulent claims’ that he had endorsed political candidates or investment products. The broader context of AI abuse is also a concern, with the FBI reporting in May 2025 on the use of AI-made voice and text messages to emulate top U.S. officials in attempts to steal personal data. The rapid advancement of deepfake technology and AI-based voice synthesis tools has made it increasingly simple to create highly convincing imitations of public figures, thereby escalating risks related to the spread of misinformation and potential reputational damage.
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As Mr. Buffett prepares to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of the year, with Deputy Chairman Greg Abel slated to take his position, the company’s proactive warning underscores the critical need for vigilance in an era where digital authenticity is increasingly challenged by advanced artificial intelligence.
