Featured Image Credit: ABC News
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Money, News, US News
Lucy Devine
A woman has revealed how she was conned out of her life savings after scammers used artificial intelligence to pose as a General Hospital star.
Vivian Ruvalcaba explained that her mother, Abigail, had been texting a scammer who was pretending to be Steve Burton. Burton has played Jason Morgan in the sitcom for over 30 years.
Speaking to 7 On Your Side Investigates, Ruvalcaba explained she was 'sickened' by what had happened.
"I'm sickened by it because it went this far," she said. "Why didn't I know this? Why didn't I see what was happening? What did I miss?"
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According to the outlet, who showed one of the videos to AI experts, they agreed the video had likely been made with AI software that had cloned Burton.
In the video, the AI clone says: "Hello, Abigail. I love you so much, darling. I had to make this video to make you happy, my love."
It all started in October last year, when Abigail began receiving videos on Facebook from who she thought was Burton.
The conversations then moved over to WhatsApp, including messages in which he told Abigail: "I want to live the rest of my life with you."
As well as: "'Steve Burton and Abigail Burton' sounds like a dream come true."
Ruvalcaba explained that her mom has suffered from mental illness as well as bipolar disorder for a number of years.
"In her head, there was no scammer," Ruvalcaba said. "She was talking to Steve Burton the entire time."
After sharing numerous messages, the scammer explained they needed money to buy a home together. Abigail sent them at least $81,304 via gift cards, cash and bitcoin.
"Now she's in complete debt, and now she's going to have to file for bankruptcy," Ruvalcaba said.
But the situation went from bad to worse when the scammer also convinced Abigail to sell her condo in Harbor City for $350,000.
"If selling the place is what will give us a fresh start and bring us closer to where we both want to be, then I am behind you," they said.
Ruvalcaba intervened and ensured that her mom didn't send the scammer a further $70,000.
Speaking about the scam, the actual Steve Burton has said he has heard similar stories.
"That I know of who have lost money, it's in the hundreds. It's in the hundreds," he said.
"First of all, I don't need your money. I would never ask for money.
"I see people come to my appearances and look at me like they've had a relationship online for a couple years, and I'm like, 'No, I'm sorry. I don't know who you are,' and you just see, It's so sad, you see the devastation."
Abigail and Ruvalcaba have now launched a lawsuit to try and reverse the home sale. A GoFundMe has also been set up to help with legal fees, which you can find here.