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.
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.
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
