US drivers are targeted by a new AI deepfake car extortion scam that threatens vehicle damage. Learn how to spot and protect yourself – act now!
In a disturbing twist on cyber‑crime, a wave of AI‑generated deepfake videos is being used to blackmail vehicle owners across the United States. The scheme, which first surfaced in Michigan, involves scammers sending frightening footage that appears to show a car being vandalized, then demanding a cash payment to stop the attack.
What Happened in Michigan?
A Michigan resident received a WhatsApp message that contained a short video. The clip seemed to show a group of individuals surrounding the homeowner’s personal pickup truck, slashing its tires with knives. At the end of the video, the perpetrator demanded an immediate transfer of $500 to halt the “attack”.
Instead of complying, the driver noticed odd details—such as the unrealistic lighting and the way the tire‑slashing was performed—and decided to contact local law enforcement.
Police Investigation Reveals a Deepfake
When officers arrived at the address, the car was untouched. No signs of forced entry or damage were found, and the vehicle was in perfect condition. Michigan State Police quickly identified the incident as a sophisticated fraud using AI‑created deepfake content.
Investigators believe the scammers harvested publicly available data—Google Street View images of the house, license‑plate details, and social‑media posts—to craft a convincing scenario. The AI then stitched together a fabricated video that mimicked a real‑world attack.
How the Scam Operates
- Data Collection: Scammers scrape personal information, including phone numbers and home addresses, from leaked databases and online profiles.
- AI Generation: Using deepfake technology, they create a short video that appears to depict the victim’s vehicle being vandalized.
- Extortion Message: The fake footage is sent via messaging apps with a demand for an urgent money transfer, often threatening further “damage” if the victim does not comply.
- Pressure Tactics: The video’s realistic visuals aim to induce panic, prompting quick, unthinking payments.
Expert Advice: How to Protect Yourself
Cyber‑security specialists say the key is to stay calm and verify before reacting. Here are practical steps:
- Never click on links or open attachments from unknown numbers, especially if they contain threats.
- Check the video’s authenticity—look for signs such as inconsistent lighting, unnatural movements, or mismatched backgrounds.
- Contact local police or your insurance provider directly if you receive an extortion demand.
- Report suspicious numbers and messages to the platform (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.) and to cyber‑crime hotlines.
- Consider setting up privacy controls to limit the amount of personal data searchable online.
The Bigger Picture: AI Misuse in Crime
As artificial‑intelligence tools become more accessible, criminals are experimenting with new ways to exploit them. Deepfakes—once mostly associated with political misinformation—are now being weaponized for financial gain.
This incident underscores a growing risk: visual content that looks “real enough” can no longer be taken at face value. Individuals and businesses alike must adopt a skeptical mindset and prioritize digital hygiene.
Take Action
If you receive a threatening video or message, do not pay. Document the communication, report it to law‑enforcement, and share the details with friends and family to raise awareness.
Staying informed is the first line of defense against the evolving threat of AI‑driven extortion.