In today’s world, where technology evolves at lightning speed, there comes a danger no one fully expected: the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in scams. One of the most recent victims is Abigail, a woman who lost more than $81,000 and even sold her condo worth $350,000 after being deceived by a scam involving a fake AI-generated video of actor Steve Burton from the hit soap opera General Hospital.

How the Scam Began

According to reports from KABC and GMA News, Abigail received videos and messages that appeared to be personally sent by the actor. In one video, a voice said:

“Hello, Abigail. I love you so much, darling. I had to make this video to make you happy, my love. You should always know that nothing will ever make me hurt you or lie to you, my queen.”

It looked real, emotional, and full of affection—but it was entirely fabricated by AI.

The Cruel Deception

Abigail was convinced that Burton had lost property during the Los Angeles wildfires. Because of this, she began sending her life savings:

Prepaid gift cards

Cash

Bitcoin

And finally, she even sold her condo worth hundreds of thousands

In total, she lost over $81,000—money that she may never recover.

The Family’s Pain

Her daughter, Vivian Ruvaba, spoke out in an interview, overwhelmed with regret:

“I’m sickened by it because it went this far. Why didn’t I know this? Why didn’t I see what was happening? What did I miss?”

It’s a painful reflection of the anguish many families feel when they realize too late that their loved one has been trapped in a scam.

The Targeted Victim

This isn’t the first time celebrities have been used as bait in scams. According to the real Steve Burton, many fans have approached him claiming they had “online relationships” with him for years. But when they finally meet him in person, they realize they’ve been deceived.

“First of all, I don’t need your money. I would never ask for money. I see people come to my appearances and look at me like they’ve had a relationship online for a couple years. And I’m like, ‘No, I’m sorry. I don’t know who you are.’ And you just see, it’s so sad. You see the devastation.”

A Warning for Everyone

Abigail’s case is a clear reminder of how quickly and deeply AI scams can infiltrate people’s lives. Fake videos are nearly indistinguishable from reality, and when paired with emotional manipulation—especially using the face of a beloved celebrity—victims can easily fall into the trap.

Lessons We Must Learn

Don’t believe everything you see online, even if it looks like it’s from your favorite star.

Check the source. If someone is asking for money, especially through unusual methods like gift cards or Bitcoin, it’s a huge red flag.

Talk openly with family. Asking advice from children or friends can help prevent falling victim to scams.

Be cautious. Overly sweet, emotional words from a “celebrity” should raise suspicion.

Conclusion

Abigail’s heartbreaking story isn’t just about money lost, but about shattered trust and emotional devastation. Behind every AI scam, there’s a real person suffering and a family left broken.

But there is hope. By sharing cases like these, the public becomes more aware and learns to be more vigilant. As Steve Burton himself reminded fans: he would never ask anyone for money. Only criminals are capable of such cruel deception.

And for everyone, the lesson is clear: in the age of AI, trust must never come cheap.