Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated deepfake videos, audio, and messages to impersonate pastors and religious leaders, targeting congregations with fake sermons, urgent donation requests, and fraudulent links that appear to come from trusted figures. High-profile cases include Catholic priest Father Mike Schmitz, who warned his audience after AI clips of him urged viewers to act quickly and send money, while other pastors in several U.S. states and abroad have reported similar deepfake scams. These deceptions exploit the trust placed in spiritual leaders and the abundance of online footage that makes training voice and face models easier, and they can appear across platforms like TikTok, direct messages, and phone calls. Experts warn this trend can lead to financial fraud, misinformation spread, and emotional harm within communities, and encourage vigilance and digital literacy to help congregations spot and resist such scams.
