In a shocking incident, a man in Shanghai was swindled out of over $27,000 after falling prey to an online relationship with a fictional bride generated by artificial intelligence, as reported by Chinese state media on Wednesday. The scammers utilized a generative AI program to create remarkably realistic videos and photos of a young woman, according to public television CCTV.
The victim was convinced to transfer approximately 200,000 yuan, equivalent to around $27,580, to what he believed was his girlfriend’s bank account. To manipulate him, the scammers used false videos and photos, fabricating a narrative that she needed funds to launch a business and help a relative with medical expenses. They even went as far as creating fake medical reports and an identity card to lend credibility to their scheme.
As revealed by CCTV, citing a police investigation, the operation was carried out by a team of scammers who sent AI-generated videos and photos, or combined multiple images to create convincing content. Notably, the victim never met his alleged girlfriend, a detail highlighted by the channel. A video broadcast by CCTV showcased photos of a woman in various situations, such as posing with paint or walking down a city street.
The emergence of artificial intelligence tools capable of generating convincing images, videos, and texts has led to increasingly sophisticated scams. Earlier this month, the American social media giant Meta warned internet users to be cautious of online relationships, noting that frauds using generative AI are on the rise. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of online interactions and the importance of verifying the authenticity of digital relationships.