In a troubling incident from South Los Angeles, a family has fallen victim to an advanced online scam that utilized deepfake technology, leading them to question the nature of reality in today’s digital landscape.

The Impact on Abigail Ruvalcaba

Vivian Ruvalcaba expressed her distress, stating, “I’m sickened by it because it went this far. Why didn’t I know this? What did I miss?” These sentiments resonate with families facing similar dilemmas as online threats grow more sophisticated.

Vivian’s mother, Abigail, unknowingly engaged in a conversation with a scammer posing as Steve Burton, a well-known actor from the soap opera “General Hospital.” The scammer sent deceptive deepfake videos, convincing Abigail that she was in a romantic relationship with Burton.

How the Scam Progressed

According to Abigail’s family, the correspondence began in October of last year when the scammer, impersonating the actor, sent heartfelt messages via Facebook Messenger. The conversations then moved to WhatsApp, where claims of love and shared dreams intensified the deception.

Describing the manipulative interaction, the scammer told Abigail, “I want to live the rest of my life with you,” leading her to believe in an emotional connection that did not exist.

Financial Consequences

As the conversation progressed, Abigail fell victim to the scam, ultimately sending the fraudster over $81,000 through various means, including cash and gift cards. “Now she’s in complete debt and is going to have to file for bankruptcy,” Vivian lamented, reflecting the heavy toll of this deception.

Furthermore, Abigail sold her condo for $350,000 under the pretext that it would support their purported future together. Vivian intervened just in time to prevent a significant loss of an additional $70,000, which Abigail had intended to send next.

The Role of AI and the Need for Awareness

Experts consulted by 7 On Your Side Investigates confirmed that the video sent to Abigail was generated using AI software designed to replicate Burton’s voice and likeness, highlighting the capabilities of current technology.

In response to inquiries, actor Steve Burton acknowledged that scams utilizing his likeness are widespread, stating, “It’s in the hundreds” regarding the number of women who have reported similar experiences. He emphasized that he would never ask for money and discredited any claims suggesting otherwise.

Legal Actions and Future Implications

Desiring to rectify the unfortunate sale, Vivian and Abigail have filed a lawsuit aiming to invalidate the transaction on the grounds that Abigail lacks the mental capacity to contract due to the overwhelming manipulation she endured.

The attorney representing the buyers of the condo, however, contests these claims, asserting that there is sufficient evidence demonstrating Abigail’s competency at the time of the sale. This dispute is set to unfold in court.