Fake Music Streaming Scam

SOURCE www.ibtimes.com
Michael Smith, a man from the United States, is accused of using AI-produced music and bots to generate billions of fake music streams and collect over $10 million in royalty fees. He faces a three-count criminal indictment in North Carolina federal court.

Key Points

  • Michael Smith used AI-generated music and bots to create fake music streams on platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music.
  • He collected over $10 million in royalty fees for the fake traffic.
  • Smith faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy.
  • The scheme diverted funds from legitimate musicians and songwriters.
  • He worked with an AI music company and a music promoter to create hundreds of thousands of AI-generated songs for the scam.