Los Angeles woman duped by Steve Burton deepfake loses condo and $81k

A Los Angeles woman says she was conned out of more than $81,000 after receiving AI generated videos and messages purporting to be actor Steve Burton, and her family says she later sold the family condo and turned over its proceeds to the alleged scammer. The case, which the family says began last October, has left the 66 year old woman facing mounting debt, potential bankruptcy and a pending legal fight to reclaim the home, the family said.

According to a police report and the victim's daughter, Abigail Ruvalcaba first met someone online who claimed to be Burton and then received a series of video messages that used the actor's likeness and voice. The family says Abigail sent at least $81,000 in prepaid gift cards, cash and cryptocurrency and agreed to sell the family condo, receiving about $350,000 in proceeds that were also transferred to the person posing as the actor. The daughter, Vivian Ruvalcaba, said her mother was preparing to send another $70,000 when she intervened.

One of the videos the family shared shows the deepfake figure addressing Abigail by name: "Hello, Abigail. I love you so much, darling. I had to make this video to make you happy, my love," the message...