AI Deepfake Scam Drains $900K from Ontario Senior's Savings

• •An 86-year-old woman lost over $900,000 due to an AI deepfake cryptocurrency scam.
• •The scam involved a fake investment opportunity falsely endorsed by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
• •Authorities warn of rising fraud losses linked to AI technology and social media platforms.

An 86-year-old Ontario woman, Judy Skene, lost over $900,000 to a cryptocurrency scam that utilized an AI-generated deepfake video of Prime Minister Mark Carney. The scam began in July 2025 when Skene saw an advertisement claiming that a $350 investment would be backed by the Bank of Canada. Following the ad, she was contacted by scammers who falsely claimed her investment had tripled, prompting her to take out a $300,000 mortgage on her condominium and cash in her retirement savings. After exhausting her funds, communication with the scammers ceased, leaving her with only $200. The case highlights the dangers of AI deepfake technology in financial scams and has led to calls for increased accountability from social media platforms. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist Skene with her living expenses. Canadian authorities reported significant fraud losses in 2025, emphasizing the growing threat of AI-assisted scams.