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Steve Burton, AI-Generated Imposter, Scams Woman Out of Life Savings and Selling Her Home

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: ABC

In a harrowing real-life story, ABC7 Los Angeles has brought to light the deep fake AI’s and how they are permeating the social media space, conning fans of soap opera stars for money and more.

During an investigative segment on 7 On Your Side, we meet Vivian Ruvalcaba who’s mother, Abigail had been texting a scammer pretending to be the real ‘General Hospital’ star, Steve Burton (Jason Morgan).

Ruvalcaba was able to save one of the videos the scammer sent her mother, which was then forwarded to AI experts, who agreed that AI software was used to clone’s Burton’s voice and face.

Courtesy/ABC7

“I’m sickened by it because it went this far,” Vivian said. “Why didn’t I know this? Why didn’t I see what was happening? What did I miss?” As it turns out, Vivian’s mother has a history of mental illness and bipolar one disorder and was ripe for scammers to go after.

In the AI-generated video below, and subsequent messages, the “Steve Burton” scammer says, “Hello, Abigail. I love you so much, darling. I had to make this video to make you happy, my love.” Later, Abigail started receiving the videos on Facebook Messenger in October of last year, where she was tricked into believing the real Steve Burton was in love with her.

Photo: ABC7

Ramping things up, the scammer moved the conversation over to WhatsApp, where he told Abigail, “I want to live the rest of my life with you,” and, “Steve Burton and Abigail Burton’ sounds like a dream come true.”

Vivian recalled, “Sadly, in her (mother’s) head, there was no scammer. She was talking to Steve Burton the entire time.” Then, believing Steve Burton needed money, she sent “AI Steve” over $81,000 dollars in gift cards, cash and bitcoins. Things get even more disgusting and troubling, Abigail texted the scammer a message in regards to her home, writing, “I remember you had suggested to sell this place. I said no. Now I don’t care.” “AI Steve” replied, “If selling the place is what will give us a fresh start and bring us closer to where we both want to be, then I am behind you.”

Shockingly, Abigail sold her Harbor City condo for $350,000. At the time, she was scheduled to send the scammer $70,000 of that money before her daughter intervened.

Courtesy/ABC7

Later in the segment, the ABC 7 investigative team meets up with the real Steve Burton outside the studios of General Hospital and tell him about the scam which does not surprise him as he has heard stories like this before. “First of all, I don’t need your money,” Burton said. “I would never ask for money.”

When ABC7 shows Burton the AI video that conned Abigail, Steve said, “Sounds like my voice for sure, 100%,” while adding that this style of scam has become an epidemic. “I see people come to my appearances and look at me like they’ve had a relationship online for a couple years, and I’m like, ‘No, I’m sorry. I don’t know who you are,’ and you just see, it’s so sad, you see the devastation.”

The mother and daughter have now filed a lawsuit to try to get her mother’s condo back, but the attorney for the new owners says the woman was in her right mind when she made the decision to sell. Now, there will be a court hearing.

Take a look at the upsetting Steve Burton deep fake scam segment below.

Now, let us know, what did you think of what happened to Abigail? Have you been the victim of scammers? Share your thoughts in the comment section, and please remain diligent and don’t fall for any alleged soap star asking you for money or leading you into an online ‘faux” relationship. 

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This is very sad.

Scary and sad for the victims and the celebs. I don’t know the laws. Maybe those affected can have recourse one day. No one’s likeness should be used or impersonated like that. Such a shame. To see Steve say it’s in the hundreds is so disheartening.

This is so horribly sad. The people who can pull of these scams are highly skilled and knowledgeable. They should use those skills to get an honest tech job. There is a special place in hell for these thieves.

They will be in the same place as members of ICE.

Will the real Steve Burton please stand up?

General Hospital

Van Hansis Marks Two Years as ‘General Hospital’s’ Dr. Lucas Jones

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Van Hansis

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Van Hansis made his debut as the recast Lucas Jones on General Hospital. It was back on October 4, 2023 that GH fans got their first look at the former As the World Turns (ex-Luke Snyder) favorite in his new soap role.

Hansis became the fifth actor to play the role of the adoptive son of the late Bobbie Spencer and Tony Jones, and the biological son of the late Julian Jerome and Cheryl Stansbury. Prior to Van, C.J. Thomason (2002–2003), Ben Hogestyn (2005–2006) Ryan Carnes (2004–2005, 2014–2020, 2024) and Matt Trudeau (2020–2021) had played the part.

When Van left daytime after As the World Turns sadly went off the air in 2010, it would be 14 years until he stepped back into the updated frenetic pace and grind of acting on a daily soap opera.

Van Hansis

Photo: ABC

LUCAS CAME HOME TO PORT CHARLES

Since Lucas has been back in Port Charles, he fell in love with the late Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo) who was murdered, moved into a new apartment with his current roommate (soon to be love interest?) Joe Fitzpatrick as played by Jonathan Bennett, has become best buds with the “Britch” Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), and has found himself involved in multiple other storylines. However, now that Van is firmly implanted on GH, might Lucas get a leading storyline of his own? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, to acknowledge his two-year anniversary at General Hospital, Hansis shared via his Instagram a photo montage and some heartfelt “thank you’s’ and words. “Two years ago yesterday, Lucas Jones came home to Port Charles looking a little different. Looking exactly like me.” began Hansis.

“When I took on the role, I was told it would be a heavy recurring for a few months and then we’d see where it goes – being based in NYC at the time, I thought it would be a fun little gig that would bring me back to my old stomping grounds of daytime for a bit.”

Van Hansis

Photo: ABC

GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN LIFE-CHANGING FOR VAN HANSIS

Next, the longtime New York-based actor confirmed he has now moved to Los Angeles as this new chapter of his life has unfolded, and how grateful he is that the show’s writers and producers have continually given more for Lucas to do.

Van explained, “But then they kept writing for me more and I fell in love with Lucas, and everyone around him (in front of and behind the camera). I wanted to stay a while and am so grateful I have. Being a part of GH these last two years has been life changing. Literally. My family and I are Angelenos now, I’ve made incredible new friendships and have been able to revisit old ones.”

The three-time Daytime Emmy-nominated actor concluded with, “Thank you Frank (Valentini, executive producer, GH), thank you Mark (Teschner, casting director, GH), for inviting me to the party. You throw a great one. ”

So, happy to know Van is sticking around General Hospital for some time to come? What has been your favorite Lucas Jones moment over the first two years of Van’s run? Let us know via the comment section below.

 

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Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

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Robert Kelker-Kelly

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.

According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route, Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.

Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Robert Kelker-Kelly

Photo: NBC

Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.

As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.

Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Robert Kelker-Kelly, GH

Photo: ABC

Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.

Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.

Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”

The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”

Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.

Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: Everyone Turns Their Backs on Sonny; Can Anyone Get Chase to Open His Eyes About Willow’s Treachery?

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This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, the ABC soap opera picks right back up with everyone turning their backs on Sonny (Maurice Benard), and now the one person he hoped would be by his side appears to be abandoning ship when Justine (Nazneen Contractor) doesn’t believe him about ordering the beatdown of Sidwell (Carlo Rota) in the latest spoilers video.

Sonny screams at Justine, “Someone is setting me up.” She says, “It’s over!” He proclaims, “I didn’t do it!” Little do they know that it was actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) who set Sonny up to take the fall for the Pentonville drama that left Curtis  (Donnell Turner) with injuries as well.

Then, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is seen using her voice memo app on her phone to record her discussion with Sidwell while he is recovering from his injuries at the hospital. This moment is intercut with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) saying, “I wish there was someone who could get Chase (Josh Swickard) to open his eyes about who Willow truly is!”

Next, Willow is seen happily waving while at a table at a Metro Court Gardens, while Chase, Michael (Rory Gibson), Brook Lynn and Ava (Maura West) all receive text messages. Tracy (Jane Elliot) punctuates the promo stating, “That’s the real Willow,” while the words “The world knows” comes across the screen.

Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week of October 5-9 below.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
Sonny challenges Justine. Josslyn takes matters into her own hands. Britt and Willow discuss matters of the heart. Jason is taken to task. Serena finds herself in a bind.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
Felicia has welcome news for Anna. Brook Lynn confides in Valentin. Hudson tries to talk Josslyn down. Lulu makes a daring play. Willow and Chase discuss his marriage.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Carly asks Anna for a favor. Tracy bites her tongue with Gio. Drew and Alexis go at it. Scout tries to broker peace between Danny and Rocco. Lulu pursues a lead.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 
Carly supports Sonny. Lulu’s latest article makes waves. Ava pitches a new target to Drew. Curtis gets a shock. Chase throws down the gauntlet.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Britt offers a lifeline. Anna offers her expertise. Sonny reassures Gio. Portia makes her loyalties clear. Dante’s investigation hits a roadblock.

Check out the latest General Hospital promo for the action this week entitled, “The World Knows” below.

Now weigh-in: With everyone disbelieving Sonny, what will be his next move? Will he hit rock bottom, or rise up and fight back and prove his innocence? Will Sonny enlist Jason to get to the bottom of this, even though Jason is out of Sonny’s business? Meanwhile, can this truly be the week that Willow is exposed for her multitude of crimes … or is this all a red herring? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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Jonathan Bennett joins the cast of GH as Joe Fitzpatrick. Catch the latest promo! Leave a comment.Leave A Comment

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