An alleged scammer has been arrested under suspicion that he used AI to create a wild number of fake bands — and fake music to go with them — and faking untold streams with more bots to earn millions in ill-gotten revenue.

In a press release, the Department of Justice announced that investigators have arrested 52-year-old North Carolina man Michael Smith, who has been charged with a purportedly seven-year scheme that involved using his real-life music skills to make more than $10 million in royalties.

Indicted on three counts involving money laundering and wire fraud, the Charlotte-area man faces a maximum of 20 years per charge.

    • Abnorc@lemm.ee
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      10 days ago

      Where do we draw the line for “rich people?” You can’t just have a system where you can hurt and steal as much as you want from rich people. What you’re describing is closer to a revolution, and carrying that idea to its conclusion usually involves a ton of bloodshed and putting new people in power who are just as bad.

      • BigFatNips@sh.itjust.works
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        10 days ago

        You’re right, because they shouldn’t exist at all. No rich people, no need to draw a line. Thanks for making this so simple!