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Steve Wozniak vs YouTube: How a deepfake Bitcoin scam targeted Apple co-founder
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has revealed that scammers misused his image in a fraudulent Bitcoin promotion on YouTube, editing an old video to include a fake Bitcoin wallet and promises to double crypto sent. Despite repeated takedown requests, including those from his wife, YouTube reportedly failed to remove the videos. Wozniak warns that AI-enabled scams targeting high-profile tech figures are growing, costing billions annually, and criticises the commercialisation of the internet that allows such fraud to proliferate.
1/6
A Familiar Face, A Fake Message
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak says scammers misused his image in a fraudulent Bitcoin promotion on YouTube, editing an old interview and adding false promises to double any crypto sent.
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak says scammers misused his image in a fraudulent Bitcoin promotion on YouTube, editing an old interview and adding false promises to double any crypto sent.
2/6
Deepfake-Style Twist
The altered video featured Wozniak in a decorative frame, a Bitcoin wallet address on-screen, and a bold “send and double” offer, a classic crypto scam tactic now supercharged by AI tools.
The altered video featured Wozniak in a decorative frame, a Bitcoin wallet address on-screen, and a bold “send and double” offer, a classic crypto scam tactic now supercharged by AI tools.
3/6
The First Red Flag
Wozniak only learned of the fraud when his wife, Janet, received an email from a victim asking when they’d be reimbursed. Some victims, he says, lost their life savings.
Wozniak only learned of the fraud when his wife, Janet, received an email from a victim asking when they’d be reimbursed. Some victims, he says, lost their life savings.
4/6
Calls for Action Ignored
Despite repeated takedown requests, including direct pleas from Janet, YouTube did not remove the fake videos. Wozniak says all responses came only via lawyers.
Despite repeated takedown requests, including direct pleas from Janet, YouTube did not remove the fake videos. Wozniak says all responses came only via lawyers.
5/6
A Broader Problem
Wozniak argues that cryptocurrency and AI-enabled scams are now costing victims billions annually, yet there’s “not enough muscle” behind efforts to fight them.
Wozniak argues that cryptocurrency and AI-enabled scams are now costing victims billions annually, yet there’s “not enough muscle” behind efforts to fight them.
6/6
Internet’s Original Promise Fading
He laments how the open, democratic internet he once championed has been eroded by commercial platforms that track users and sell targeted ads.
He laments how the open, democratic internet he once championed has been eroded by commercial platforms that track users and sell targeted ads.
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