Athletes Face AI-Powered Scams: New Digital Threats Emerge

Athletes are increasingly becoming targets for sophisticated cybercriminals, with Artificial Intelligence amplifying the risks. Traditional fraud schemes, such as embezzlement and identity theft, are now compounded by novel dangers like unauthorized use of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and advanced impersonation attacks using deepfakes. These threats exploit readily available personal data and lax privacy protections in the United States, making both professional and collegiate athletes vulnerable.

Recent cases highlight the severity of these attacks. Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Shohei Ohtani, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for stealing approximately $17 million to cover gambling debts. Similarly, Darryl Cohen was convicted for defrauding NBA players out of over $5 million through schemes involving inflated insurance policies and unauthorized donations. Cybercriminals are also targeting athletes' families, using children's online activities to breach home networks and access personal devices.

The sports industry's significant revenue makes it a prime target. Research indicates a high rate of cyber incidents among sports organizations, often exceeding that of general businesses. While major corporations invest heavily in cybersecurity, athletes typically lack comparable resources, relying more on physical security. The pervasive use of mobile devices further complicates matters, making phishing scams harder to detect. As AI technology advances, the sophistication and frequency of attacks are expected to escalate, posing a growing threat to athletes' financial security and personal privacy.