Gran, 82, loses $200,000 retirement savings in AI deepfake doctor scam
An 82-year-old grandmother lost nearly $200,000 after being tricked by an AI deepfake video impersonating Dr. Pierre Kory.Summary
Maurine Meleck, an 82-year-old retired teacher and grandmother, was defrauded of almost $200,000 in retirement savings after falling for an advanced AI deepfake scam. She encountered a Facebook video featuring a convincing deepfake of Dr. Pierre Kory, whom she respected for his unconventional views, who convinced her to transfer her funds into cryptocurrency for supposed growth. Meleck intended the money to secure future care for her autistic grandson, Joshua. After realizing the deception following contact with authorities, she learned the funds were unlikely to be recovered. Meleck communicated with an imposter via Facebook Messenger who directed her to invest through the supposed Quantum Financial System (QFS). Devastated, she is now facing financial uncertainty, though she has raised about $18,000 via GoFundMe for her grandson's care, and she expressed deep anger toward the scammers for targeting someone caring for a vulnerable person.
(Source：Daily Express US)