In Genoa City, secrets have the power to shatter lives. Off-screen, Mark Grossman — the man who brings the brooding, brilliant, and dangerously unpredictable Adam Newman to life — is fighting a very different kind of battle. This time, the stakes aren’t scripted, and the villains are all too real.

Over the past few weeks, Grossman has been at the center of a disturbing trend that has shaken his connection with fans: a network of sophisticated scammers impersonating him, manipulating his image, and preying on loyal viewers’ trust. What began as a few fake profiles has evolved into a sprawling, AI-powered deception — and Grossman is determined to shut it down before anyone else gets hurt.

From Soap Drama to Real-Life Danger

Grossman took to Instagram with a stark warning — a message framed in bold red letters that left no room for doubt: “SCAM ALERT — PLEASE READ.” In his own words, the threat has escalated beyond the usual fake accounts using stolen photos. Now, fraudsters are stealing his scam warnings, recycling them to make their fakes seem legitimate.

Even more chilling? The rise of AI-generated videos and voices that sound like Grossman himself — and sometimes even mimic members of his family or management team. “They’re pretending to be me, my reps, or my relatives,” Grossman explained. “They’re contacting fans with convincing messages, fake fan club offers, and requests for money — all to exploit kindness and loyalty.”

It’s a storyline worthy of Adam Newman himself: a web of deceit, a charming surface hiding ruthless intent, and a dangerous game where victims may not realize the truth until it’s too late.

How the Scam Works

The con follows a familiar emotional arc — one that mirrors the manipulative tactics we often see in Y&R’s most compelling villains. A fake account appears, often with Mark’s photos and captions lifted directly from his real Instagram. The scammers then send private messages to fans, sometimes offering “exclusive fan events,” “private video calls,” or claiming they need urgent help.

Recently, the deception has grown more complex. Imposters now send AI-generated videos of “Mark” speaking directly to the fan — a technological leap that can be unsettlingly convincing. In one case, a message claimed to be from an “official fan club” seeking donations for a charity. The voice, tone, and mannerisms all felt authentic — until the victim noticed the account had no verification badge.

Grossman’s Three Golden Rules for Staying Safe

This isn’t Grossman’s first war with online deception. Twice before, fake accounts have impersonated his management team, promoting bogus meet-and-greets or charity drives. In each case, vigilant fans raised the alarm, and Grossman stepped in to issue public statements.

But this time feels different. The use of AI and more elaborate emotional hooks makes the scam harder to detect, even for savvy social media users. “It’s scary,” one long-time Y&R fan commented. “I’ve followed Mark for years, and even I almost believed it. The video sounded so real.”

The Emotional Toll

For Grossman, this isn’t just about protecting his public image — it’s about protecting the people who have supported him through the highs and lows of both his career and Adam Newman’s turbulent journey.

“I hate knowing that fans who trust me could be manipulated this way,” he said in a follow-up story. “These people aren’t just followers on a screen. They’re real individuals who share their stories, their love for the show, and their time. That trust matters.”

His frustration mirrors the protective instincts Adam often shows for those he loves — even when his methods in Genoa City cross dangerous lines. But in real life, Grossman is fighting back with transparency, urging everyone to stay vigilant.

A Lesson in Soap Opera Irony

It’s hard not to notice the uncanny parallels between this real-world drama and the storylines that have made The Young and the Restless a daytime television powerhouse for decades. Fans have watched Adam Newman pull off corporate coups, fake deaths, and elaborate schemes that leave his rivals questioning what’s real.

Now, the same fans must apply that soap-honed skepticism to their own inboxes. “If something feels a little too dramatic, a little too perfect, it probably is,” one viewer noted on Twitter. “Just like in Genoa City, you’ve got to read between the lines.”

Ripple Effects in the Fan Community

The scam has already created waves in the Y&R fandom. Several fan pages have issued their own warnings, pinning posts about the fake accounts and urging members to report them. Some have begun organizing “verification checks” — small groups who confirm the authenticity of any suspicious message before engaging.

It’s also sparked deeper conversations about the vulnerability of public figures and the ethical dangers of AI impersonation. “We used to say, ‘Don’t believe everything you read online,’” one fan moderator posted. “Now we have to say, ‘Don’t believe everything you see or hear online,’ either.”