**The Dark Side of Social Media: When AI Scammers Impersonate Catholic Pastors**
As a Catholic priest and podcaster with a massive following on YouTube, I’m no stranger to online controversy. But even I was shocked when I discovered that AI-generated impersonation scams have been targeting Catholic leaders like me. In my latest video, I shared some of the recordings of the fake version of myself, and it’s mind-blowing.
The fake me is eerily convincing, warning viewers that they’re being watched by demonic forces and need to act quickly to secure blessings. The tone is so robotic that even I couldn’t tell if it was real or not. And the worst part? It’s hard for anyone else to tell either. That’s a huge problem.
But I’m not alone. Other Catholic leaders and pastors have also fallen victim to these AI scams and deepfakes. Cybersecurity experts say it’s a growing trend, and I’ve seen it firsthand. It’s not just me; pastors in Birmingham, Alabama, Freeport, New York, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have all warned their followers about these scams.
The ease with which these scammers can create convincing content using generative AI tools is staggering. It’s getting to the point where it’s almost impossible to tell what’s real and what’s not. As a pastor, it’s terrifying to think that someone can create a fake version of me and use it to dupe my followers.
The irony is that many of us who have built massive online followings often solicit donations and sell products, but not the same products that these AI impersonators are promoting. The line between faith and commerce has become increasingly blurred, and scammers are taking advantage of this.
So, what can we do? First and foremost, we need to be vigilant and skeptical. Remember, even the most authentic-looking content can be created using AI. Stay informed, stay safe, and don’t let the tide of fake news and scams wash over you.
**Sources:**
* My call-out video on YouTube
* An interview with cybersecurity expert Rachel Tobac on Wired
* Warnings from pastors on social media
* Articles on AI-generated deepfakes and scams targeting spiritual leaders
