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.

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30 points

Nothing wrong with what the man did

They’re just jealous they didn’t get a cut

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-8 points

The advertisers who spent 10m usd on fake “customers” disagree…

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18 points

Yeah I have no sympathy for advertisers, but this seems like it’s pretty clearly fraud.

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15 points

Fuck 'em

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-6 points

Is stealing okey just when you steal from others, or are you also okey with others stealing from you?

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