‘I’m sick’ — Scammers use AI, fake ID of crypto influencer to steal $4M
Scott Melker, host of The Wolf Of All Streets podcast, reported being impersonated by scammers, resulting in at least one victim losing $4 million. A private investigator informed Melker that a Nigerian group used his name and face, including a fake driver’s license and AI-generated images, to deceive individuals. The scammers conducted Zoom calls with sophisticated AI technology and spoofed accounts of Melker's family to enhance credibility. Technical analysts noted similar scams, with one victim losing $5,000 through AI voice replication. Experts highlighted that fake IDs can be identified through simple online checks, despite the scammers' advanced tactics. AI-generated scams are increasing, with warnings from California's Department of Justice about new types of crypto scams. Microsoft reported that AI tools are aiding cybercriminals in creating convincing social engineering lures, indicating a potential rise in such scams.
