Be aware – AI deepfake scammers of women guitar influencers are on the rise - Guitar.com

Guitarists Sophie Burrell, Sophie Lloyd, and Joe Bonamassa have reported instances of AI being used to clone their likenesses and content for deceptive purposes. These incidents range from the unauthorized replication of performance videos to sophisticated scams targeting fans through AI-driven impersonation.

What happened

Sophie Burrell discovered that an AI influencer was generating deepfake replicas of her guitar performance videos. The AI replicated her room, camera angles, and movements, though Burrell noted that the software struggled with finger placement, creating unrealistic fretwork. She expressed frustration that this stolen content is being used to funnel audiences toward inappropriate products without her consent.

Sophie Lloyd reported a more severe form of exploitation, noting that scammers have used AI to impersonate her in video calls, leading to fans being defrauded of large sums of money. Lloyd emphasized that these actions threaten the livelihoods of musicians who rely on online engagement for their careers. Similarly, in 2025, Joe Bonamassa highlighted the dangers of the technology by sharing a deepfake of himself, warning fans that AI-generated content is being actively used to mislead and scam the public. These incidents have forced artists to take extra steps to verify their authenticity, with some musicians opting to post raw, unedited performances to counter accusations of using AI in their own creative work.