AI deepfakes impersonate U.S. pastors to scam churchgoers
Scammers have used AI-generated deepfake videos to impersonate prominent U.S. pastors and defraud churchgoers into paying for fake blessings, church trips, and cryptocurrency schemes. Multiple pastors across the country, including Father Mike Schmitz with over 1.2 million YouTube subscribers, have warned their congregations about the fraud.
What happened
Scammers have created AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating prominent pastors, including Father Mike Schmitz who has over 1.2 million YouTube subscribers. The fake videos depict pastors asking congregants to pay for blessings, secure spots on church trips, or join cryptocurrency trading schemes, with the fake Schmitz saying things like 'You're being watched by a demonic human' and 'You must act quickly, because the spots for sending prayers are already running out.'
Pastors and ministers in Birmingham, Alabama; Freeport, New York; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; the Ozarks; and Nebraska have reported being targeted by AI impersonation scams through deepfake videos, direct messages, calls, and hacked social media accounts. One pastor in the Ozarks had his Facebook account hacked with a fake cryptocurrency trading certificate posted in his name, and a megachurch in the Philippines received reports of deepfakes featuring its pastors.
Reported impact
Churchgoers have been deceived and financially scammed by deepfake videos appearing to solicit donations or payments from their pastors. Victims were reportedly manipulated into clicking links and making payments for fake blessings and church trips that would never be delivered.
Index analysis
The deepfake scams exploit the large online followings of prominent pastors on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Reels, according to cybersecurity expert Rachel Tobac. The scams are effective because pastors legitimately solicit donations and sell items, making fraudulent requests appear plausible to congregants.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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