"Father Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest and podcaster, addressed his congregation of more than 1.2 million YouTube subscribers in November with an unusual kind of homily. You couldn't always trust the words coming out of his mouth, Schmitz said, because sometimes they weren't really his words-or his mouth. Schmitz had become the target of AI-generated impersonation scams. "You're being watched by a demonic human,""
"cybersecurity expert Rachel Tobac, who is the CEO of SocialProof Security, that's because pastors have become extremely popular subjects of AI scams and other deceptive media. "If you're on TikTok or Reels, they've probably come across your For You page," Tobac says. "This is somebody who looks to be a priest, who's wearing all of the garments, who's standing up on a pulpit or a stage or whatever you'd call it, and they seem to be speaking to their congregation in a very enthusiastic way.""
Father Mike Schmitz, a Catholic priest and podcaster with over 1.2 million YouTube subscribers, was impersonated in AI-generated videos that urged viewers to click links and secure blessings. Fake videos used slightly robotic voices and dramatic imagery, claiming limited spots for prayers and upcoming trips. Schmitz posted a public service announcement showing examples and warned followers that the videos did not always contain his words. Followers reported similar impersonations of other prominent Catholic figures, including the pope. Cybersecurity expert Rachel Tobac said pastors have become popular targets on platforms like TikTok and Reels because AI-generated clips convincingly mimic clerical appearance and delivery.
Read at WIRED
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