AI Voice Cloning Scams Explode: DiCaprio, Pitt, and Meloni Victims in Sophisticated Fraud
Verona, Italy – August 21, 2025 – A chilling new wave of scams is sweeping across Italy and beyond, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to convincingly clone the voices – and even appearances – of celebrities and political leaders. Authorities are warning the public to be on high alert as fraudsters exploit this technology to swindle unsuspecting individuals out of thousands of euros. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is bringing you the latest updates.
Celebrity Impersonations: From DiCaprio to Stallone
The scams are remarkably diverse, ranging from promises of exclusive meetings with A-list actors to bogus investment opportunities. One Milanese resident reportedly paid a staggering €7,000 for a rendezvous with Leonardo DiCaprio that never materialized. Others have been targeted with pleas for financial assistance, falsely claiming to be from Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie. The schemes aren’t limited to Hollywood stars; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s voice has been fraudulently used to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, complete with fake logos of reputable Italian banks.
The creativity – and audacity – of the scammers is startling. Sylvester Stallone’s likeness was used to endorse a dubious arthritis cream, even disparaging legitimate medical professionals. Former Inter president Massimo Moratti was nearly tricked into paying a ransom for nonexistent kidnapped journalists, contacted by a voice claiming to be Defense Minister Crosetto. Even beloved Italian comedian Lino Banfi found his image misused in a health scam.
Deepfakes and Crypto: A Dangerous Combination
At the heart of these scams lies the technology known as “deepfakes” – AI-generated reproductions of human images and voices. These aren’t the crude forgeries of the past; today’s deepfakes are incredibly realistic, making it difficult for even discerning individuals to detect the deception. A particularly prevalent tactic involves using cloned celebrity voices to promote cryptocurrency investments promising astronomical returns. These schemes, often disseminated through social media platforms like Facebook and Telegram, lure victims with the false promise of quick riches.
Evergreen Insight: The rise of deepfake technology presents a significant challenge to cybersecurity and public trust. While the technology itself has legitimate applications – such as in film production and accessibility tools – its potential for misuse is immense. Experts predict that deepfake scams will become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, requiring constant vigilance and advanced detection methods.
Beyond Celebrities: Sentimental and Health Scams
The emotional manipulation doesn’t stop at financial gain. Scammers are also exploiting the desire for connection, creating fake online relationships with individuals using the identities of celebrities like Dua Lipa and Alessandra Ambrosio. One victim lost a heartbreaking €700,000 over a 15-year-long fabricated romance. Health-related scams are also on the rise, with fake news reports featuring cloned experts promoting unproven treatments or spreading misinformation about vaccines, as seen with a fabricated SkyTg24 segment featuring pharmacologist Silvio Garattini.
Protecting Yourself: A Guide to Staying Safe
Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and remember a crucial rule: celebrities will never solicit money directly from fans on social media. Legitimate fundraising efforts are always conducted through verified organizations and official channels. If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, immediately report it to the Postal Police and block any credit cards or bank accounts used in the transaction.
SEO Tip: Google prioritizes fresh, relevant content. Regularly updating your security software and staying informed about the latest scam tactics are crucial steps in protecting yourself online. Searching for “AI scam alerts” or “deepfake fraud prevention” can provide valuable resources.
This surge in AI-powered scams underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness and robust security measures. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our defenses against those who seek to exploit it for malicious purposes. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of this critical issue and the latest strategies for staying safe in the digital age.