Can you really trust who you’re talking to online? A fan thought she found love with a General Hospital star, only to lose nearly $100,000 to a sophisticated AI deepfake scam. This isn’t just a story; it’s a chilling warning about the dark side of online interactions. Could you spot an AI imposter before it’s too late?

In a deeply disturbing incident highlighting the growing sophistication of online deception, a devoted fan of the popular soap opera “General Hospital” fell victim to an elaborate AI-powered scam, resulting in a devastating financial loss of nearly $100,000. This harrowing case serves as a stark warning about the evolving landscape of digital fraud and the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity awareness.

The ordeal began for Abigail, a Los Angeles resident, last October when a scammer initiated contact via Facebook Messenger, impersonating Steve Burton, the actor renowned for his role as Jason Morgan on “General Hospital.” To establish credibility and build a deceptive rapport, the culprit deployed sophisticated AI deepfake videos, cloning Burton’s face and voice to create a chillingly realistic illusion.

As their interactions progressed from Facebook to WhatsApp, the scammer skillfully cultivated an online romance, preying on Abigail’s vulnerabilities. Struggling with mental illness and Bipolar 1 Disorder, Abigail found solace and believed in the authenticity of this digital relationship, with the imposter expressing desires for a future together, even suggesting a shared surname: “’Steve Burton and Abigail Burton’ sounds like a dream come true.”

The scam escalated dramatically when the impersonator fabricated a heartbreaking story, claiming to have lost his home in the devastating Los Angeles fires. This emotional manipulation was a calculated move to elicit sympathy and financial assistance from Abigail, who genuinely believed she was helping the man she loved.

Driven by her fabricated romantic connection, Abigail made numerous transfers to the scammer, sending at least $81,304 in various forms, including cash, gift cards, and Bitcoin. She genuinely believed these funds would be used to purchase a new home for their future together, a dream that quickly spiraled into a nightmarish reality of financial ruin.

The shocking extent of the fraud came to light when Abigail’s daughter intervened, taking the case to the police. Investigations revealed the horrifying truth: the “Steve Burton” Abigail had been communicating with was an entirely artificial construct, a product of advanced AI deepfake technology designed to mimic the actor’s appearance and voice perfectly.

The real Steve Burton, upon being contacted by 7 On Your Side Investigates, confirmed he was aware of such celebrity impersonation scams, where fraudsters exploit his public persona. Abigail’s family has bravely chosen to share their distressing story publicly, not only to pursue justice through a lawsuit related to a condo sale but also to raise crucial awareness about the insidious nature of cyber scams and the profound emotional and financial toll they inflict.