A man in Shanghai, China, was left 200,000 yuan (approximately RM130,000) poorer after unknowingly transferring money to his long-distance "girlfriend", who turned out to be an elaborate creation of artificial intelligence (AI).
The victim, known as Liu, was deceived by a scam syndicate that used AI-generated images and videos of a young woman, known as "Ms. Jiao", to manipulate him into believing he was in a real romantic relationship. According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), the syndicate utilised advanced AI software to fabricate realistic photos and videos, making the deception highly convincing.
A Love Story That Turned Into a Costly Trap
What began as an online romance quickly took a financial turn. "Ms. Jiao" started requesting money from Liu, citing urgent reasons such as business investments and medical expenses for a family member. Wanting to support his "girlfriend", Liu transferred a total of 200,000 yuan over the course of their relationship.
To solidify her credibility, "Ms. Jiao" even provided Liu with a copy of her identity card, along with medical records of her supposed family members and purchase orders related to her "business". The intricate details were enough to convince Liu that she was a real person.
Liu, despite having never met "Ms. Jiao" in person, remained emotionally invested. The scam continued for two months, with frequent conversations and exchanges of photos and videos that strengthened his belief in the authenticity of the relationship.
The Truth Unfolds
Over time, Liu began noticing inconsistencies in "Ms. Jiao's" stories and behaviour. His suspicions grew, leading him to seek help from the police. When authorities conducted an investigation, they uncovered the shocking truth—he had fallen victim to an AI-driven scam syndicate.
Chinese authorities discovered that the images and videos sent to Liu depicted "Ms. Jiao" engaging in daily activities, such as painting and walking in the city, all carefully generated using AI technology. Investigators also revealed that the syndicate operated as a team, coordinating their efforts to deceive victims with a combination of fabricated documents and AI-generated visuals.
Further analysis revealed that the fraudsters used advanced AI generative technology to manipulate voices and facial expressions, making the fake persona appear lifelike in video calls. The use of AI in scams has allowed criminals to deceive victims with an unprecedented level of realism.
AI and the Rising Threat of Online Scams
The advancement of AI technology has made online fraud more sophisticated than ever. AI is now capable of producing hyper-realistic images, videos, and even live conversations, making it increasingly difficult to differentiate between reality and deception.
Authorities warn that scams like these are not limited to China but are growing worldwide. The ability of AI to create deepfake videos and realistic text conversations has led to an increase in similar fraud cases across various countries.
In February 2024, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, issued a warning about the growing trend of AI-generated romance scams. They urged internet users to remain cautious of online relationships that involve financial requests, as such scams are becoming more prevalent worldwide.
How to Protect Yourself from AI Scams
As AI-powered scams become more common, here are some key precautions to avoid falling victim:
- Be sceptical of online relationships – If you have never met the person in real life, be wary of emotional manipulation and financial requests.
- Verify identities – Conduct reverse image searches and check social media profiles for inconsistencies.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met – Scammers often create emotional urgency to pressure victims into making transfers.
- Look out for red flags – Unrealistic personal details, reluctance to meet in person, and excessive excuses are common warning signs.
- Stay updated on AI scams – Educate yourself on the latest online fraud tactics and share knowledge with friends and family.
- Report suspicious activity – If you suspect a scam, contact local authorities immediately.
The case of Liu serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of AI-powered deception. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the tactics of scammers. Staying informed and vigilant is the best defence against becoming their next victim.
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*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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