AI-Generated Celebrity Audio NFT Scams: Unauthorized Sale of Digital Collectibles Using Deepfake Voices

Who Gets Targeted

Victims are primarily young fans who are passionate about collecting celebrity merchandise, particularly stans and cryptocurrency investors. Driven by a desire to own 'one-of-a-kind' celebrity works and a sense of identity, they are easily swayed by scarcity. Due to a lack of professional knowledge regarding audio copyright and blockchain technology, they are prone to trusting claims of 'official authorization' and often make payments without verifying the authenticity of the content.

骗局怎么运作

• Step 1: Fraudsters post promotional content on social media or NFT marketplaces, claiming to have obtained exclusive audio authorization from a famous celebrity, accompanied by AI-generated celebrity avatars and voice samples to create the illusion of an official partnership.
• Step 2: The audio samples are created using deep AI synthesis, featuring highly realistic voices and background music to enhance credibility. They also provide forged screenshots of authorization documents to convince users that the work is legitimate.
• Step 3: A limited-time flash sale or pre-sale window is set, requiring users to transfer a specific amount of cryptocurrency or fiat currency to a designated wallet address to claim the limited-edition NFT. They justify the payment process by citing platform fees or artist royalties.
• Step 4: Once payment is received, the scammers immediately use technical means to transfer the funds to anonymous wallets or offshore accounts. They then delete or remove the NFT listing, leaving only the on-chain transaction record, making it difficult for victims to trace the funds.
• Step 5: When victims discover discrepancies between the audio and the celebrity's actual work and attempt to file complaints, they often face high costs and low success rates due to the platform's lack of regulatory certification and the difficulty of identifying AI forgery traces.

红旗信号（看到这些快跑）

• 🚩 Use of absolute terms in promotions such as 'exclusive authorization' or 'personally voiced by the celebrity'
• 🚩 Requests for users to transfer funds in advance to personal wallets or non-official platform accounts
• 🚩 Audio samples that do not match the sound quality or duration of the celebrity's officially released works
• 🚩 Prices significantly higher than similar legitimate NFTs, marketed as 'limited edition'
• 🚩 Lack of verification links from the celebrity's talent agency or official institutions

真实案例

• In July 2026, a user purchased an audio NFT on an NFT marketplace claiming to be voiced by Yu Shuxin. After payment, the user discovered the audio was AI-synthesized. Yu Shuxin's studio subsequently issued a public statement confirming no such authorization was granted. The case involved approximately 30,000 RMB, and the platform has been reported by users.
• In June 2026, Jackson Yee's studio issued a notice stating that unauthorized deepfake videos of him were appearing on multiple short-drama platforms, with some being packaged and sold as NFTs. The case involved over 50,000 RMB, and the relevant platforms urgently removed the infringing content after receiving the notice.
• In August 2026, Hangzhou police dismantled a professional extortion gang operating under the guise of 'drama protection.' The ringleaders, Li and Liao, operated film and television accounts with over 20.2 million total followers. They would post negative content or stir up controversy during the launch of new dramas, then approach the production companies offering to 'protect' their drama in exchange for money. Ten members were arrested, and the ringleaders were formally charged. (Source: https://www.sina.cn/news/detail/5331458392588987.html)

Official Stance

• On June 15, 2026, the Cyberspace Administration of China issued a special notice regarding the 'Provisions on the Ecological Governance of Network Information Content,' strictly prohibiting the use of AI technology to forge celebrity images for commercial promotion.
• On June 28, 2026, the Zhejiang Provincial Administration for Market Regulation released a 'Warning on Preventing AI-Forged Digital Asset Scams' on its official platform, urging the public to verify the source of audio copyrights.
• On July 1, 2026, the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau reported on the 'drama protection' extortion case, reminding internet users to remain vigilant and avoid transferring money to unknown accounts.

How to Protect Yourself

• ✅ Before purchasing, always verify authorization information, especially audio copyrights, through official celebrity channels or their talent agencies.
• ✅ Use reputable NFT marketplaces that have completed KYC verification and check the platform's copyright review mechanisms.
• ✅ Be wary of requests for one-time advance payments; try to use installment or escrow payment methods whenever possible.
• ✅ If you discover suspected forged works, report them immediately to the platform's customer service, local market regulatory authorities, or the police.