AI scammers on TikTok created a deepfake video of Brian May offering fake backstage tickets to Queen concerts for $800, prompting the real guitarist to warn fans about this 'vile scam' on his official Instagram.
AI scammers created and posted a deepfake video on TikTok impersonating Sir Brian May of Queen, offering backstage tickets to concerts for $800 (reduced from $2000). The fake video featured a robotic-sounding deepfake of Brian May claiming to select only 10 people from the comments who responded 'ready' to make payment. The real Brian May discovered this scam and posted a warning on his official Instagram, calling it a 'vile scam' and 'horrible criminal activity' designed to steal money from trusting fans. May warned that Queen currently has no future tour dates planned and does not offer backstage tickets for money. The incident highlights the increasing sophistication of AI deepfakes being used for fraudulent purposes, though the technology still exhibits the characteristic 'uncanny valley' appearance and sound. Fans are advised to only purchase tickets through official channels like Ticketmaster or the band's official website.
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