TED SARANDOS
GENERATIVE AI
The incident began when a Ferrari executive received unexpected WhatsApp messages from an unknown number purporting to be from Benedetto Vigna.
The messages, which included a profile picture of the CEO standing in front of Ferrari’ s prancing-horse logo, mentioned an urgent acquisition requiring immediate assistance.
“ Hey, did you hear about the big acquisition we’ re planning? I could need your help,” one message read.
Another message urged:“ Be ready to sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement our lawyer is set to send you asap. Italy’ s market regulator and Milan stockexchange have been already informed. Stay ready and please utmost discretion.”
The scammer later escalated the attempt with a phone call using AI-generated voice technology that mimicked Vigna’ s distinctive southern Italian accent.
During the conversation, the impersonator claimed to be using a different phone number due to the confidential nature of a deal that required a currency-hedge transaction.
However, the executive noticed subtle mechanical intonations in the caller’ s voice that raised suspicions.
To verify the caller’ s identity, the executive asked a personal question about a book Vigna had recently recommended.
When the caller could not identify“ Decalogue of Complexity: Acting, Learning and Adapting in the Incessant Becoming of the World” by Alberto Felice De Toni, the call abruptly ended.
TED SARANDOS
TITLE: CO-CEO COMPANY: NETFLIX
INDUSTRY: MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT
Ted Sarandos is co-CEO of Netflix, leading its content since 2000 and pioneering original hits like House of Cards and Stranger Things. He leads Netflix’ s transformation into a global streaming powerhouse worldwide.
72 October 2025