Taylor Swift has been named the world's "most dangerous celebrity" by cybersecurity firm McAfee, which says scammers are increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes of her likeness to trick fans into turning over money and sensitive information. The finding underscores the rapid escalation of digital impersonation schemes, driven by more realistic synthetic video and audio tools and amplified by the global reach of online fandoms.
McAfee described Swift as the top target on its "Most Dangerous Celebrity: Deepfake Deception List," noting that criminals have leaned on her broad cultural influence to lure unsuspecting users into clicking malicious links or believing fabricated messages. Researchers said scammers exploit the emotional connection fans feel toward celebrities, especially when the public associates that figure with authenticity or trust.
The cybersecurity company said Swift's prominence and the intensity of her fan community have made her an attractive focus for criminals. McAfee warned that her "likeness" is now commonly used in fraudulent content aimed at "Swifties," who may be more likely to trust videos or endorsements they believe came directly from the singer. The company added that scammers increasingly mimic patterns of speech, tone and style that public figures use online, making AI-generated messages appear more natural.
Swift topped a list that also includes Scarlett Johansson, Jenna Ortega, Sydney Sweeney, Sabrina Carpenter, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Billie Eilish, Emma Watson and Kendrick Lamar. McAfee said each of these celebrities has been targeted by unauthorized deepfake impersonations, though none at the scale Swift currently experiences.
McAfee's report reflects a growing public struggle to identify manipulated media. In a survey of 8,600 people, the firm found that 72% had encountered a fake celebrity endorsement online. Another 39% acknowledged clicking on at least one fraudulent post. About one in ten said they lost money, reporting average losses of £410 ($525). McAfee also highlighted a high-profile episode in France, where a woman lost roughly £630,000 ($800,000) to a scammer who pretended to be Brad Pitt and fabricated personal emergencies to solicit funds.
Cybersecurity analysts cited the incident as a warning about "parasocial relationships," in which individuals feel close to celebrities who do not know them personally. The sense of familiarity, analysts said, makes users more vulnerable to manipulation when confronted with convincing-looking digital impersonations.
McAfee urged the public-particularly Swift's younger fan base-to remain cautious when confronted with celebrity-related requests. The firm advised users to verify the source of videos or messages, look for irregularities such as "unnatural face movements" or inconsistent audio, and avoid sharing personal information even if a message appears authentic. The company warned that as AI tools grow more sophisticated, scams disguised as celebrity interactions will only become harder to detect.
