Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise and Scarlett Johansson top list of deepfaked stars

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(NewsNation) — Taylor Swift and Tom Cruise are among the “most dangerous” celebrities, according to cybersecurity company McAfee, after researchers found their likeness is being used by scammers for AI-generated deepfakes.

With the rise of AI, scammers are using the images of stars and influencers to trick fans into handing over their personal information and banking details.

Here are the most “deepfaked” celebrities:

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Taylor Swift attends the 67th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

According to McAfee, the “Treacherous” singer ranks as the world’s most exploited celebrity used by scammers.

Swift is undoubtedly the biggest star on the planet, with a fanbase that clings onto every word she says and every clue she puts into her music.  

Scarlett Johansson

FILE - Scarlett Johansson poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film 'Transformers One' o, Sept. 19, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)
FILE – Scarlett Johansson poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film ‘Transformers One’ o, Sept. 19, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)

Scarlett Johansson ranks second behind Swift as the most “deepfaked” celebrity.

Johansson is the highest-grossing actor of all time, amassing a box office total of over $15 billion.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise
This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Tom Cruise as Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in “Top Gun: Maverick.” (Paramount Pictures via AP)

The “Mission Impossible” actor ranks 6th on the global list and 5th domestically as the celebrity whose likeness is used by scammers.

LeBron James

LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James appears during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, on Feb. 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

NBA superstar LeBron James has also fallen victim to AI-generated deepfakes that deceived his fans.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Celebrities aren’t the only ones whose likeness is used for nefarious purposes.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., ranks 6th in the U.S. as the most “deepfaked” celebrity, according to McAfee.

In May, Ocasio-Cortez reintroduced legislation that would give those depicted in nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes the power to take civil action against those who make or distribute the imagery, according to The Hill.

Other celebrities named on McAfee’s list include Jenna Ortega, Sydney Sweeney, Sabrina Carpenter, Brad Pitt, Billie Eilish, Emma Watson, Kendrick Lamar and Zendaya.

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