Guelph woman loses $14,000 to AI MrBeast crypto scam

Police in Guelph, Ontario, reported a woman lost $14,000 after responding to a social media advertisement and sending money to people who used an AI-generated deepfake of YouTuber MrBeast to promote a fake cryptocurrency investment.

The victim paid an initial $250 fee to join what appeared to be a legitimate investment opportunity. She later answered a phone call from someone who used a cloned voice and a convincing video likeness. That caller told her to deposit $5,000 into a crypto wallet provided by the scammers. Over time she transferred additional funds and her total loss reached $14,000.

Guelph police warned residents to treat celebrity endorsements of financial products with skepticism and to be cautious of unexpected calls, texts or emails that demand immediate action. “Residents are encouraged to be wary of any telephone call, email, or text that requires you to take immediate action,” the department advised, adding that advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier to fake faces and voices.

Jimmy Donaldson, known online as MrBeast, has previously described deepfakes using his likeness as “a serious problem.” Law enforcement officials said the Guelph case is part of a wider pattern in which fraudsters use AI-generated audio and video to make scams seem credible and to pressure victims into transferring money quickly.

The federal government announced in late April 2026 plans to ban cryptocurrency ATMs after investigations found the machines were being used to convert cash into crypto funds as part of fraud schemes. Toronto Police Detective David Coffey from the Financial Crimes Unit had urged action on the issue during earlier inquiries.

Officials noted the combination of realistic AI cloning and the irreversible nature of most cryptocurrency transactions makes recovery difficult once funds are sent. They urged anyone who suspects they have been targeted to contact local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and recommended not following links from unsolicited ads, verifying endorsements through official channels, and avoiding pressure to move money quickly or to unfamiliar crypto wallets.