

The wild world of AI scams
25 snips Jan 27, 2025
Maria Gharib, a contributor to the Mindstream newsletter, dives into the murky waters of AI scams, including notorious deepfakes of celebrities like Brad Pitt and Elon Musk. She highlights the alarming rise of financial deception targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly older adults. Gharib discusses emotional manipulation tactics used by scammers and warns listeners about key red flags to detect fraud. Additionally, the conversation touches on the impact of misleading financial apps, blending entertainment with vital cybersecurity insights.
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AI Brad Pitt Scam
- A French woman lost $800,000 to scammers impersonating Brad Pitt using AI.
- The scam involved AI-generated images and messages, and lasted two years.
Romance Scam Targets
- Romance scams often target women over 40, particularly widows or divorcees.
- These scams exploit emotional vulnerability and cost over $1 billion globally each year.
Spotting AI Scams
- Be wary of unsolicited contact from celebrities online.
- Watch for urgent requests for money and verify images through reverse searches.