AI-Generated Rabbi Scams Public, Security Firm Warns
Scammers are exploiting advanced artificial intelligence technology, specifically deepfake, to create convincing, fictional rabbinical figures who solicit money from the public. A video circulating online features a seemingly authoritative rabbi speaking Russian, addressing current events, and urging viewers to donate or invest in dubious schemes for financial gain and salvation. However, this "rabbi" is entirely fabricated, with both his appearance and voice generated by AI from scratch. The scammers input their fraudulent script, and the AI produces a realistic virtual persona to deliver the message.
The cybersecurity app Fisherman, which specializes in online fraud and SMS scams, identified this new threat. The firm's experts observed criminal groups leveraging the public's trust in religious and authority figures to trick individuals into revealing credit card details or transferring large sums of money to offshore accounts. "This is a very dangerous escalation in scamming methods," stated Matan Gidanyan, CEO and founder of Fisherman.
He explained that while previous scams involved simple fake SMS messages, criminals now combine psychological manipulation with cutting-edge technology to create deceptive personas. "An ordinary person sees a video of a rabbi blessing them or promising financial prosperity, and they are inclined to believe him without considering that behind the respectable appearance is a crime syndicate's algorithm," Gidanyan added.
The campaign specifically targets Russian-speaking individuals, often older immigrants less familiar with new technologies, making them easier targets. Fisherman advises the public to exercise caution with any promises of quick wealth or paid blessings, especially if they involve money transfers online, even if they appear to come from a trusted figure. They also stress never to share credit card details, passwords, or verification codes based on such videos or messages from unknown sources. Utilizing technological tools like the Fisherman app is recommended for identifying and blocking malicious links and scam attempts.
