A fan of the long-running soap opera *General Hospital* fell victim to a sophisticated scam involving artificial intelligence, resulting in a loss of nearly $100,000. The perpetrator impersonated actor Steve Burton, who plays Jason Morgan on the show, and established an online relationship with the victim, a woman identified as Abigail from Los Angeles.
The scam began in October 2023 when Abigail connected with the impersonator on Facebook Messenger. Over time, their conversations shifted to WhatsApp, where the scammer used AI-generated videos to deepen the illusion of a romantic relationship. Abigail, who has been open about her struggles with mental illness and Bipolar 1 Disorder, believed the impersonator’s claims of love and future together. One message read, “‘Steve Burton and Abigail Burton’ sounds like a dream come true.”
The situation escalated as the scammer fabricated a story about losing his home in the Los Angeles fires, which led Abigail to transfer a total of at least $81,304 in cash, gift cards, and Bitcoin to him. She was convinced that these contributions would allow them to purchase a home together, plunging her into bankruptcy. Abigail’s financial troubles were exacerbated when she sold her condo for $350,000 in anticipation of sending the proceeds to the impersonator. Fortunately, her daughter, Vivian Ruvalcaba, intervened just in time.
Vivian took the AI-generated videos to ABC 7 News’ investigative team, known as 7 On Your Side. Their experts confirmed that the videos were indeed created using AI technology. Following this investigation, they contacted the real Steve Burton, who expressed concern about the increasing number of scams where individuals impersonate him to exploit fans.
In light of their experience, Abigail’s family has decided to share their story publicly to raise awareness about such scams. They have also pursued legal action related to the sale of the condo, seeking to highlight the dangers of online relationships that may lead to financial exploitation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with online interactions, particularly when technology is used to manipulate emotions and trust. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, vigilance and awareness remain crucial in protecting individuals from similar scams.
