McAfee Unveils Top Celebs Targeted by Deepfake Scammers

Deepfake technology is increasingly being exploited by scammers to create fraudulent endorsements featuring popular celebrities. McAfee Labs has published its 2025 report detailing the most targeted celebrities and influencers about these scams. The research highlights the growing danger of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered deepfake deception.

Top Celebrities Targeted by Deepfake Scammers

According to McAfee’s findings, the following celebrities are at the forefront of this trend:

• Taylor Swift – Ranked number one in the U.S. and globally.
• Scarlett Johansson – Secured the second position.
• Jenna Ortega – Featured prominently in the list.
• Sydney Sweeney – Also among the top targeted celebrities.
• Brad Pitt, Billie Eilish, Emma Watson – Recognized globally for being exploited in scams.

Deepfake Influencers Targeted

In addition to celebrities, influencers are increasingly being targeted. The newly introduced Influencer Deepfake Deception List is led by:

• Pokimane – A popular gamer and streamer.
• MrBeast – Another high-profile name on the list.

The Mechanics of Deepfake Scams

Scammers utilize familiar faces to build trust and promote fake products or services. They create counterfeit endorsements to sell nonexistent items, including skincare products, cryptocurrency investments, and fake giveaways. This manipulative tactic preys on the audience’s trust, leading many into financial traps:

• 72% of Americans have encountered fake endorsements.
• 39% have clicked on such deceptive content.
• 1 in 10 individuals has lost an average of $525 due to these scams.

Identifying Deepfake Technology

Despite advancements in machine learning and AI, identifying deepfakes remains a challenge. Only 29% of people feel they can confidently spot a fake, while 21% express low confidence in their ability to do so. A notable incident involved a French woman losing nearly $900,000 to a scammer using deepfake technology to impersonate Brad Pitt.

The Psychological Impact of Scams

Deepfake scams exploit emotional connections, potentially blurring the line between reality and fiction. Many people may not be suspicious when approached by someone they believe to be a celebrity online.

Protecting Yourself Against Deepfake Scams

To safeguard against these threats, consider the following precautions:

• Pause before clicking on ads or posts that seem too good to be true.
• Verify information with the celebrity’s official social media channels.
• Look for signs of AI manipulation, such as mismatched lip movements or unnatural voice tones.
• Do not share personal or financial information through messages, even if they appear to be from verified accounts.

McAfee provides tools like the Scam Detector, which help users detect signs of fraud in communications and media.

Conclusion

The rise of deepfake technology has revolutionized both marketing and scamming. While it highlights the influence of celebrity culture, it is essential for consumers to remain vigilant. Understanding these threats can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to deceptive practices.