An increase in artificial intelligence scams, which involve the imitation of well-known celebrities, has led to a wave of warnings from Hollywood stars. This follows numerous incidents in which victims have lost millions due to scams involving deepfake technology, including a recent case of fraud amounting to $850,000 using a computer-generated likeness of actor Brad Pitt.
After a French woman was defrauded of $850,000 by scammers using Pitt’s AI-generated image, the actor’s representatives issued an urgent warning. The 53-year-old victim, known only as Anne, was led to believe she was in communication with Pitt through fabricated social media and WhatsApp accounts for a year and a half. The fraudsters, pretending to be Pitt and his mother, convinced her that Pitt required funds for kidney cancer treatment and was unable to access his bank accounts due to interference from his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie. The scam was discovered after Anne saw news about Pitt’s current partner, following her divorce from her husband.
Brad Pitt’s representative stated that these scams are exploiting fans’ strong emotional connection with celebrities, and reminded fans that Pitt does not have a social media presence. Fans were urged to disregard any messages claiming to be from him.
Actors Johnny Depp and Tom Hanks have also issued warnings about the ability of scammers to copy faces and voices using AI, as part of a wider celebrity response to the increasing sophistication of these fraudulent schemes.
Tom Hanks has repeatedly cautioned his followers about AI scams, especially those involving false advertisements using his image. Hanks warned his fans about a video promoting a dental plan using his image, which he has no connection to, and alerted them about unauthorized AI-generated ads for “miracle cures and wonder drugs” across various platforms.
A number of famous personalities, including Gayle King and MrBeast, have issued warnings about AI-generated “deepfake” content that falsely portrays them endorsing products or services. The difficulty in distinguishing these AI-manipulated images and videos from authentic content has led to increased concerns about the potential for wide-scale fraud.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is addressing the issue of AI protection in its negotiations with major Hollywood studios. The union aims to establish stringent protections for actors’ rights and to prevent the unauthorized use of their likenesses, voices, or performances due to the escalating threat of AI manipulation.
Legislative measures are also being taken. A bipartisan group of senators has introduced the NO FAKES Act, which would provide individuals with increased legal protections against the unauthorized use of their voice and likeness. This legislation aims to keep pace with the rapid progression of AI technology, offering both celebrities and everyday citizens legal recourse against unauthorized AI images in the public sphere.
French authorities have started a formal investigation into the Brad Pitt impersonation scam, with police aiming to identify the complex network behind it. The victim has been admitted to the hospital with severe depression after being harassed online when the scam was exposed, underscoring the serious personal effects of these fraudulent activities.
In England and Wales, legal changes have been initiated in response to the rise of AI-generated deepfakes, especially their use in explicit content. The government has strengthened laws to facilitate the prosecution of those who create and share such content without consent, reflecting the growing international unease about the misuse of AI.
Law enforcement agencies have noted that these AI-enabled scams signify a significant shift in fraud techniques. Scammers are now using advanced technology to create convincing fake profiles, messages, and deepfake videos, challenging traditional methods of verification. These scams often offer personal interactions, VIP access, investment opportunities, or charity support, all aimed at exploiting the emotional bonds between celebrities and their fans.
