Abigail Ruvalcaba, 66, thought she had found love with Steve Burton, the famous General Hospital actor. She believed he was romantically interested in her. But it wasn’t really him. Scammers used deepfake technology to make videos showing Burton professing love to Abigail. She didn’t realize the videos were fake and trusted the messages she received.
Believing the Illusion
The scam started when Abigail got a friend request online from someone pretending to be Burton. They soon moved their chats to WhatsApp. The scammer sent her messages and videos that seemed personal and real. One video showed a Burton lookalike saying he loved her. Abigail felt the connection was genuine.
Her daughter, Vivian Ruvalcaba, explained that Abigail has Bipolar 1 Disorder. During episodes, she can struggle with judgment. The scammers exploited this vulnerability. They convinced her that Burton lost property in the Los Angeles wildfires and needed help. Abigail believed she could support him financially.
Life Savings Lost
Abigail sent $81,000 in gift cards, cash, and bitcoin to the scammer. They didn’t stop there. The fraudster persuaded her to sell her family condo in Harbor City for $350,000. The scammer promised they could start a new life together. Vivian realized what was happening and stepped in before Abigail could send an additional $70,000.
Despite Vivian’s intervention, Abigail suffered major financial losses. She now faces eviction and possible bankruptcy. The family is fighting in court to undo the sale of the condo. They argue that Abigail was not capable of making such a big decision at the time.
Steve Burton Responds
Burton spoke publicly about these scams. He said he often meets fans who believe they have had long online relationships with him. He admitted that it’s heartbreaking to see the devastation these scams cause. He emphasized that he never asks fans for money.
The Dangers of Deepfake Technology
This case highlights the risks of AI-generated deepfake videos. Scammers use them to create realistic but fake images and sounds. These tools are becoming more advanced, making deception easier. Victims like Abigail often don’t realize they are being manipulated until it’s too late.
The emotional toll on victims can be severe. Abigail trusted someone she thought she loved and ended up losing her life savings. Her family now works to protect her and recover what she lost. They also hope to prevent similar scams from hurting others.
Public Support and Awareness
The Ruvalcaba family launched a GoFundMe to cover legal fees and help Abigail reclaim her home. So far, they have raised part of the \$18,000 goal. The family remains hopeful and determined.
Experts warn people to be cautious when forming online relationships. Avoid sending money or personal information to strangers. Verify identities through multiple sources. Consult trusted friends or family before making big financial decisions.
A Cautionary Tale
Abigail’s story shows the danger of trusting what we see online. It reminds everyone to be careful with digital interactions. Her experience serves as a warning about how technology can be exploited. The Ruvalcaba family hopes their fight for justice can guide others and prevent future heartbreak.
