Technology
10 celebs most targeted by malicious deepfake scams, dangerous search results
Impersonation scams are everywhere these days, and scammers love to pose as government officials, big corporations or even politicians. But often, they’re also pretending to be your favorite celebrities. You’ve probably seen deepfakes of celebrities promoting cryptocurrency, NFTs or sketchy products (seriously, Tom Hanks isn’t out here pushing bogus medical products). Plenty of famous faces have been dragged into these scams, but if you’re wondering who the top targets were in 2024, I’ve got a list for you below, along with some tips to avoid getting duped.
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Illustration of hacker at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
2024 hacker celebrity hot list
Cybersecurity firm McAfee has put together a handy list of the top 10 celebrities who have been frequent targets of malicious deepfake scams and risky search results. Topping the list is actor Scarlett Johansson, known for her roles in Marvel’s “Avengers” franchise and films like “Lucy” and “Lost in Translation.” Right behind her is media personality Kylie Jenner, famous for her beauty products. There are plenty of other big names on the list, so let’s dive in.
1) Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson’s name and likeness have been used without her permission in various advertisements and endorsements. Earlier this year, OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, released an AI model called GPT-4o, which featured a voice output that closely resembled the actor’s. However, Ms. Johansson never authorized the use of her voice in the AI model. After she hired legal counsel and sent formal letters to OpenAI, the company removed the voice.
“Celebrity Hacker HotList” (McAfee) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
2) Kylie Jenner
Kylie Jenner is a popular reality star and influencer whose name and likeness have been used without permission for social media giveaway scams and fake Kylie Cosmetics products and websites.
3) Taylor Swift
Popular singer Taylor Swift has been a frequent target of scams involving the unauthorized use of her name and likeness. These include fake celebrity endorsements for products she’s never promoted, ticket scams where fans are tricked into buying nonexistent concert tickets and fraudulent product giveaways.
Beyond that, Swift’s image has been used in disinformation campaigns, including false political endorsements, despite her being vocal about supporting only specific causes and candidates.
4) Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy has fallen victim to scams where her name and likeness, including fake social media accounts, were used without her consent for fraudulent giveaway promotions. Plus, misinformation has been spread using her image, particularly concerning her roles in streaming series, leading to confusion among fans. Scammers have exploited her rising fame, especially after her success in “The Queen’s Gambit,” to mislead the public and capitalize on her popularity.
5) Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks has been targeted in scams where his name and likeness were misused to promote “miracle cures” and “wonder drugs” without his consent. These scams often falsely associate the beloved actor with health products or treatments, misleading people into thinking he endorses them. The actor was forced to share a message on Instagram warning fans not to fall for ads falsely using his name, likeness and voice to promote these drugs.
6) Sabrina Carpenter
Singer Sabrina Carpenter has been a target of scams where her name and likeness have been used without permission to promote fake ticketing schemes and to advertise a controversial app designed for creating sexually explicit images.
7) Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney, an acclaimed actor known for her standout roles in hit series like “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus,” has been exploited in scams where her name and likeness have been used without her permission to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. These scams often falsely claim that the actress endorses various crypto investments, misleading fans into thinking they can trust her recommendations.
8) Blake Lively
Blake Lively, known for her roles in “Gossip Girl” and “A Simple Favor,” has been targeted in scams where her likeness was used without permission to promote fraudulent weight-loss gummy products.
9) Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp, the renowned actor known for his iconic roles in films like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Edward Scissorhands,” has been a victim of scams that misuse his likeness without permission. His image has been exploited in various fraudulent activities, including giveaway scams, cryptocurrency schemes and misleading fundraising efforts.
10) Addison Rae
Addison Rae is a popular singer and social media influencer, best known for her viral dance videos on TikTok and her rising music career. However, her likeness has been used without permission in numerous scams, including fake endorsements, fraudulent giveaways and misleading cryptocurrency promotions.
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Deepfake cybercrime is on the rise
Thanks to advancements in generative AI, even individuals without technical expertise can easily create fake personas of others. The lack of regulation in this area has paved the way for scams that can rob people of their hard-earned money. Alongside phishing scams and malware-laden links that exploit the popularity and reputation of celebrities to deceive their fans, these highly realistic video and audio clips can convincingly mimic a person’s likeness. This makes it increasingly difficult to discern whether the content is real or fake.
A person surfing on their laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
CYBER SCAMMERS USE AI TO MANIPULATE GOOGLE SEARCH RESULTS
5 ways you can avoid getting duped by deepfake scams
1) Verify sources: Always check the credibility of the source before trusting any content. Look for official accounts or reputable news outlets to confirm information, especially if it involves a celebrity or public figure.
2) Look for inconsistencies: Pay attention to details in videos or images. Deepfakes can have subtle inconsistencies, like unnatural facial movements, awkward lighting or mismatched audio. If something seems off, trust your instincts and investigate further.
3) Invest in strong antivirus software: Protecting your devices with reliable antivirus software is crucial in defending against deepfake scams and other cyber threats. These scams, including those that misuse celebrity images for fraudulent giveaways or unauthorized product endorsements, often rely on phishing emails, malicious websites and malware-laden links to trick users.
Protecting your devices with reliable antivirus software can be an effective way to guard against deepfake scams and other cyber threats. Strong antivirus programs often include features that detect malicious websites and suspicious downloads, alerting you to potential scams before you engage with them. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
4) Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest deepfake technology and the common scams associated with it. Understanding how deepfakes are created can help you recognize potential scams more easily.
5) Use reverse image search: If you come across suspicious images or videos, use reverse image search tools (like Google Images) to see if the content has been altered or used in other misleading contexts.
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Kurt’s key takeaway
AI is a useful technology, but it’s also extremely dangerous. Bad actors have successfully weaponized this tech to scam people, generating legitimate-looking phishing emails and messages that are nearly impossible to detect. Furthermore, because AI makes it all so easy and fast, cybercriminals can target people on an unprecedented scale. Companies developing these AI models need to implement safeguards to prevent the technology from being exploited, and governments should enforce these safeguards.
Have you ever encountered a deepfake or a scam that used someone’s likeness? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter. Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
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OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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