Comedy icon Billy Connolly has raised the alarm over a disturbing new trend: artificial intelligence being weaponised by fraudsters to mimic his distinctive voice and image in elaborate scams.
The Scottish entertainer, known for his legendary stand-up routines, revealed that criminals are using AI technology to create convincing deepfake videos and audio recordings impersonating him.
The Growing Threat of Celebrity AI Scams
Connolly's warning comes as authorities report a surge in sophisticated scams targeting fans through social media and messaging platforms. "It's not really me," the 81-year-old stressed, urging the public to be vigilant against these digital deceptions.
Experts explain that modern AI tools can now replicate a person's voice after analysing just a few minutes of recordings - technology that's being increasingly exploited by organised crime networks.
How the Scams Operate
- Fraudsters create fake videos or audio messages appearing to feature Connolly
- Victims are contacted through social media or messaging apps
- Scams often involve fake investment opportunities or charity appeals
- Advanced voice cloning makes the impersonations frighteningly realistic
Protecting Yourself From AI Fraud
Cybercrime specialists advise the public to:
- Be sceptical of unsolicited messages featuring celebrity endorsements
- Verify any unusual requests through official channels
- Never share personal or financial information in response to such approaches
- Report suspicious activity to Action Fraud
The veteran comedian, who retired from live performance in 2020, expressed dismay at how technology is being misused to exploit his fans' trust. This case highlights the urgent need for regulation around emerging AI capabilities that can undermine personal identity and security.
