A 72-year-old woman falls victim to an AI deepfake of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, losing her life savings in a cryptocurrency scheme.
The Rise of AI Deepfake Scams
The emergence of AI technology brings both innovation and deception. Recently, a Taranaki grandmother, Jill Creasy, fell prey to a sophisticated scam involving an AI deepfake of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. This incident highlights the alarming reality of online fraud in the cryptocurrency space.
The Initial Encounter
In July, Jill Creasy, 72, discovered a realistic video advertisement on Facebook. The AI-generated clip featured Prime Minister Luxon urging pensioners to invest in cryptocurrency to enhance their retirement income. The video, along with similar ones involving TVNZ broadcaster Jenny May Clarkson and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, led to a public scam alert from the Financial Markets Authority.
Investment Enthusiasm
Having inherited $200,000 from her late mother’s estate, Creasy was eager to invest. With an additional $20,000 in savings, she responded to the advertisement and connected with a Greek man named Adam Manolas, claiming to be an investment adviser from Terma Group in Manchester. Manolas guided her through the investment process, promising high returns.
Granting Access to Scammers
Manolas instructed Creasy to download software called AnyDesk, allowing him remote access to her computer. He used her email to create accounts on crypto exchange platforms Easy Crypto and Binance. During the next 26 days, he transferred multiple payments, mostly at her daily limit of $20,000, to purchase Bitcoin on her behalf.
The Unraveling of the Scheme
Creasy believed her Bitcoin would be deposited in her Binance wallet. However, she later discovered that it had been redirected to an account controlled by the scammers. A computer expert who assisted Creasy tracked her lost Bitcoin to a third Binance holding account, which was allegedly receiving nearly $3 million daily and contained nearly $1 billion in cryptocurrency.
Deceptive Promises
Manolas had promised an 8.5% return on her investment, claiming it had already grown to almost $320,000. However, when the first dividend payment failed to arrive in late August, Creasy began to suspect the scheme. Despite her attempts to recover her funds, she realized she had been scammed.
Emotional Impact
In an email to the scammers, Creasy expressed her anger and frustration. She warned them, saying, “evil will come to you.” The apparent endorsement from Prime Minister Luxon had been the bait that lured her in, leading to devastating financial consequences. “First of all I felt angry and then I felt foolish,” she admitted.
The Role of Financial Institutions
Creasy reported the scam to the police and reached out to TSB, her bank, but was informed they would not take responsibility. TSB stated that Creasy had granted remote access, which contributed to the scam. They cautioned her about the importance of safeguarding her security credentials.
Global Implications
Experts believe this scam is part of a larger international criminal network, exploiting vulnerable individuals. They suspect the scammers use global cryptocurrency exchanges to launder stolen funds, indicating a well-organized operation. “They seemed to be doing this to multiple people,” one expert noted.
Authorities Respond
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Luxon emphasized that he would never endorse a specific investment. They urged New Zealanders to be vigilant against scams, noting the increasing sophistication of online fraud.
Precautionary Measures
Following the investigation, TSB and Easy Crypto both stressed the importance of customer awareness. They advised against sharing account details or permitting remote access to devices. Easy Crypto highlighted their efforts to monitor transactions and identify potential scams.
Navigating the Aftermath
Despite being a victim, Creasy continues to seek justice. She expressed a desire to track down Manolas and stated, “I won’t let it rest.” The emotional and financial toll of the scam has been overwhelming, leaving her to reconsider her financial security and trust in online transactions.
Final Thoughts
The rise of AI deepfake scams marks a new era of online fraud, targeting individuals who may lack technical expertise. As the landscape of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, awareness and education become essential tools for protection against such scams. Authorities must step up efforts to combat this growing threat, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on 13Desk is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly recommend conducting your own research and consulting with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Investing in cryptocurrencies carries risks, and you should only invest what you can afford to lose. 13Desk is not responsible for any financial losses incurred from your investment activities.
