Steven Chia debunks fake article showing DBS CEO hitting him after on-air argument

CNA's Steven Chia, the host of "Talking Point", recently shared that his likeness had been used as part of a scam on Facebook by an alleged automated trading system.

The scam took the form of a fabricated CNA article stating that DBS CEO Tan Su Shan had stormed out of an interview with Chia.

It even showed the latter sustaining a bloody nose after the kerfuffle.

Chia took to social media to warn his followers of the scam, urging everyone to "check especially before you give money away".

DBS has also taken steps to report the content for removal.

Impersonation scams using AI-generated photos or videos are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the bank said, and urged members of the public to remain vigilant.

False scandal

"A fake story is then created with some drama and excitement (check out my bloody nose!) about how banks are 'robbing us'", Chia wrote.

Screenshots Chia shared showed that the scam first appears as a post by The Straits Times, with the rather clickbait headline of "Steven Chia revealed the truth, yesterday's statement shocked all of Singapore".

This was accompanied by an image of Tan supposedly hitting Chia in the face in a studio, with Chia covering his bloody nose.

However, those who click into the post will be directed to a fake CNA article instead, where Chia allegedly accuses local banks of "hiding money that allows ordinary people to become wealthy".

The article then includes a transcript of a fake episode of "Money Mind", which is described as "one of the most dramatic live broadcasts in history".

In it, the supposed Chia claims to use an AI-based automated trading system that "takes advantage of market fluctuations" and "eliminates human errors", and which purportedly allows users to earn S$6,000 a month.

The fake article then unexpectedly transitions into a first-person recount of how the alleged trading system works.

It even included fake testimonials of alleged successful users of the system.

This is, of course, all absolute nonsense, which Chia himself debunks in his post.

Inconsistencies

Chia noted in his post that "because it all looks so real, it can be hard to tell that it’s actually been fabricated".

However, he pointed out some incongruities, such as the glaring detail that an ST post leads users to a CNA article.

Chia also noted that he and Tan wear different clothes in the thumbnail versus within the article.

"And a less obvious sign…in some photos I’m wearing a watch. Here’s some trivia about me – I don’t wear a watch, I never have! Because I’m timeless…"

In response to Mothership's queries, CNA stated that it is aware of the fake article and has since had the article removed.

Chia consequently highlighted that "no one should ever tell you they have a guaranteed way to make money because there is no such thing!"

He added that his followers are free to drop him a message if they are unsure about any content he appears in.

In response to Mothership's queries, DBS shared that it is aware that earlier this week, scammers used AI to create a fake news story impersonating its CEO.

The bank took immediate steps to report the content for removal.

Impersonation scams, including those leveraging AI-generated images, videos and voices, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, DBS stated,

Scammers often exploit the likeness of public figures, organisations and trusted institutions to create a false sense of credibility, in hopes of deceiving victims into disclosing personal information or transferring money.

Remain vigilant, report suspicious content

DBS works closely with technology platforms and the authorities to report fraudulent content and disrupt scam activities as quickly as possible.

The bank urges members of the public to report any suspicious content impersonating DBS or our employees so that appropriate action can be taken promptly.

Members of the public should remain vigilant and be cautious of requests for personal or financial information, or investment opportunities, especially those received via social media, messaging platforms or unsolicited communications.

"If in doubt, do not act on the request. Instead, verify the information through official channels before taking any action," the bank states.

Scam advisories and educational content are regularly shared on DBS' website, social media channels and community workshops to raise awareness of emerging scam typologies and equip the public with practical ways to protect themselves.

The bank also works closely with the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) to scale anti-scam public education efforts nationwide and build safer digital habits.

For the latest scam alerts and prevention tips, visit the DBS Scam Defence Hub.

Here's their Facebook post warning against such scams as well.