AI Voice Scam Fuels 5-Hour Fake Kidnapping; LeBron Denies Rift

“Tough one! But next, hoops! Fox News says LeBron James denied Mike Breen's report that Joel Embiid was late to 76ers practice.” — Chip Darnell, on air

On air: Chip Darnell and Gloria Vance on Pre-Market Pixels
Published 7:52 AM ET, Wednesday, October 7, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Fox News: “AI voice scam traps mom in 5-hour kidnapping nightmare”, with reporting from Fox News.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 7:52 AM ET on Pre-Market Pixels, by Chip Darnell and Gloria Vance.
Topics: Sixers, LeBron James, AI.
BBN covered this story before: Smart Glasses Ban Eyed; Sixers Newcomer Hurt (October 5).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Fox NewsAI voice scam traps mom in 5-hour kidnapping nightmare
Fox NewsLeBron James shuts down Joel Embiid rift rumor, but Sixers leadership tension is real

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorGood morning, America! Fox News reports Deborah Del Mastro heard what sounded like her daughter's terrified voice, starting a five-hour virtual kidnapping scam.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIt was an AI voice fake.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorGrave stuff, Chip. I've been in rooms where hostage calls were real. The scammers here are the only villains.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe voice was borrowed, and the fear was the product.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorTough one! But next, hoops! Fox News says LeBron James denied Mike Breen's report that Joel Embiid was late to 76ers practice.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorEmbiid's punctuality history keeps the story alive.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorA denial from one team's star about another team's practice.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorI've seen cleaner chains of custody at a customs office in a country I'm not allowed back into.