AI Deepfakes Are Impersonating Pastors to Try to Scam Their Congregations

2026-01-05 · Source: WIRED - Ai · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, long

Summary

Father Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest and podcaster with over 1.2 million YouTube subscribers, has become a target of AI-generated impersonation scams. These scams involve deepfake videos and audio of him giving sermons or soliciting money for unofficial causes, making it difficult for his congregation to discern authentic communications. Schmitz highlights two immediate dangers of AI: scams and the "amputation effect." The amputation effect posits that while technology extends human capacities, it simultaneously stunts or diminishes our natural abilities. Examples include the decline of oral storytelling with written language, reduced physical activity due to e-bikes and cars, and diminished memory recall because of instant information access. Schmitz warns that AI, by automating creative tasks, risks atrophying human creativity and genuine connection, leading to a future where virtual experiences replace real-world engagement, akin to the movie "Wall-E."

Key takeaway

For leaders overseeing digital communications and community engagement, you must implement clear protocols for authenticating official messages and fundraising efforts. Educate your audience about the risks of AI deepfakes and establish a single, verifiable channel for critical announcements. Proactively addressing these threats will protect your community from scams and preserve trust in your organization's digital presence.

Key insights

AI deepfakes enable scams, while technology's extension of human capacity risks the "amputation" of natural abilities.

Principles

• Every technology extends a human capacity.
• Technological extension can stunt natural human abilities.

In practice

• Verify fundraising appeals from known figures.
• Question the authenticity of unexpected digital communications.

Topics

• AI Deepfakes
• Online Scams
• Technological Amputation
• Societal Impact of AI

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, General Interest, AI Ethicist, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by WIRED - Ai.