Former TV meteorologist becomes sextortion victim after deepfake image alteration in Tennessee

Summary

A former TV meteorologist, Bree Smith, became a victim of deepfake sextortion scams when her image was digitally altered to create explicit content. The doctored images and videos were used to extort money from others who recognized her. The scam involved fake accounts offering private interactions in exchange for payments, and hundreds of these accounts emerged online. Smith tracked over 24 new accounts in one week alone and testified before a Tennessee legislative committee about the impact of the deepfakes on her life. A Tennessee bill she supported, the "Preventing Deepfake Images Act," passed the state Senate and was sent to the governor for approval. The FBI reported over 54,000 sextortion victims in 2023, with financial gain being the primary goal of the perpetrators.