Scammer Impersonates General Hospital Actor, Defrauds Fan of $100,000
A Los Angeles woman, identified as Abigail, has fallen victim to an elaborate scam, losing nearly $100,000 after a perpetrator impersonated Steve Burton, known for his role in the television series General Hospital. The fraud began in October 2022, when the scammer initiated contact with Abigail through Facebook Messenger, eventually leading to an online romance that she believed to be genuine.
The impersonator built a relationship with Abigail, sending her AI-generated videos that mimicked Burton’s likeness and voice. Their communication later transitioned to WhatsApp, where the scammer further deepened the illusion of love. Abigail, who has struggled with Bipolar 1 Disorder, became emotionally attached, interpreting the messages as sincere declarations of affection. One particularly misleading message read, “‘Steve Burton and Abigail Burton’ sounds like a dream come true.”
The situation escalated when the scammer claimed to have lost his home in the recent Los Angeles Fires. Believing she was helping the man she loved, Abigail sent the fraudster at least $81,304 in cash, gift cards, and Bitcoin, convinced he would use the funds to buy a home for them both. Tragically, this led to her bankruptcy, which she now faces as a consequence of her misplaced trust.
The predicament worsened when Abigail decided to sell her condo for $350,000. Just as she was about to transfer the proceeds to the impersonator, her daughter, Vivian Ruvalcaba, intervened. Concerned about her mother’s mental state and the nature of the relationship, Vivian took the AI videos to ABC 7 News for verification. Their investigation confirmed that the videos had been manipulated using artificial intelligence.
In a statement to ABC 7 News, the real Steve Burton acknowledged that he had heard of similar scams targeting unsuspecting fans. He expressed his dismay at the situation, underscoring the dangers posed by technology that can mimic individuals convincingly.
Motivated by their experience, Abigail’s family has chosen to publicize their story to raise awareness about such cyber scams. They hope to prevent others from falling into similar traps. Additionally, they have filed a lawsuit related to the sale of the condo, seeking justice for the financial and emotional toll inflicted upon them.
As technology continues to evolve, the risks associated with digital impersonation grow. This case highlights the need for heightened vigilance when forming online relationships, particularly when money is involved. The emotional and financial repercussions can be devastating, as demonstrated by Abigail’s harrowing experience.
