A 69-year-old Florida man lost nearly $45,000 to scammers who used AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating Elon Musk to convince him he had won a car giveaway and investment opportunities.
George Hendricks, a 69-year-old from Leesburg, Florida, was targeted by scammers who used AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating billionaire Elon Musk. The scheme began when Hendricks commented in a fake Elon Musk car giveaway group on Facebook. He received a message claiming he had won $100,000 and a new car, then was directed to communicate via WhatsApp. The scammers sent him personalized deepfake video messages appearing to be from Musk, promising delivery of prizes but requiring $7,500 in shipping fees. When Hendricks expressed skepticism about subsequent investment opportunities promising $120,000 returns on $10,000 investments, he received another deepfake video stating 'I'd never take advantage of you or your funds. Trust me with your whole heart. God knows I have no bad intentions.' The scammers exchanged hundreds of messages with Hendricks, who ultimately drained bank accounts and maxed out credit cards, sending nearly $37,000 more for a total loss of approximately $45,000. The financial losses have threatened his marriage of 39 years and may cost him his home. AARP has reported similar scams using Musk's image this year, and cybersecurity experts note that deepfake videos can be created in minutes with just 30-60 seconds of source material.
Domain classification, causal taxonomy, severity scores, and national security assessments were LLM-classified and may contain errors.
Using AI systems to gain a personal advantage over others such as through cheating, fraud, scams, blackmail or targeted manipulation of beliefs or behavior. Examples include AI-facilitated plagiarism for research or education, impersonating a trusted or fake individual for illegitimate financial benefit, or creating humiliating or sexual imagery.
AI system
Due to a decision or action made by an AI system
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed