A large-scale scam campaign is targeting Italian users through AI-generated ads on Facebook and Instagram. The campaign promotes a fictitious platform called Amazon Slots. The ads mimic Amazon’s branding and falsely suggest that the global tech company has launched its own gaming service. In reality, Amazon has no ties to gambling. The promotions copy Amazon’s familiar colors and logo style. They even fabricate endorsements using AI-generated images of Jeff Bezos and popular influencer Khaby Lame.
According to the misleading ads, Amazon Slots supposedly offers generous incentives, including a €1,500 no-deposit bonus and 200 free spins. Italy’s state regulator, ADM, has not licensed the platform. As a result, it has no legal right to operate in the country. The campaign also blatantly breaches Italy’s Decreto Dige 2018 law that prohibits all forms of gambling advertising across media channels.
Online screenshots show AI-created images of Bezos wearing an “Amazon Slots” cap. They also show Khaby Lame posing as if part of an official campaign. The scammers fabricated both visuals to make the platform look legitimate. In reality, it does not exist in any recognized or regulated form. These tactics echo recent incidents involving other public figures. Former footballer Sergio Agüero recently warned fans after an illegitimate gaming site used his image. Robert Lewandowski has signaled potential legal action after another offshore operator promoted itself using an AI-generated likeness of him.
Italy has strict advertising rules, but Meta-owned platforms continue to host the Amazon Slots campaign. This raises serious concerns about how someone approved and targeted these clearly illegal ads. Authorities know little about who is behind the operation. The platform provides no licensing information, no regulatory disclosures, and no connection to Amazon. Since regulators have not yet commented publicly, it remains unclear how many users these highly deceptive ads—exploiting one of the world’s most recognizable brands—have already misled.
