AI-Generated Fake Obituaries Prey on Living to Generate Clicks
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Scammers are posting fake obituaries of living people to generate clicks and ad revenue. Writers Deborah Vankin and Brian Vastag were recently victimized.
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The scammers use AI to easily and cheaply generate bogus death notices packed with keywords to optimize Google searches.
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Google has implemented new policies to demote spammy, low-quality content like the fake obituaries. But experts say AI will enable scammers to adapt.
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In addition to causing confusion and stress, the hoaxes can push real obituary notices down in search results, limiting who sees them.
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Victims say the unsettling experience made them contemplate their mortality more but also appreciate being alive and want to pursue their dreams.