Shanghai police are investigating a sophisticated online scam in which a man was tricked into sending nearly 200,000 yuan ($28,000) to what he believed was his long-distance girlfriend—who turned out to be entirely AI-generated, Chinese state media CCTV reported on Wednesday.
The scammers used generative artificial intelligence (AI) software to create highly realistic images and videos of a fictional woman named “Ms. Jiao.” They convinced the victim, identified only as Mr. Liu, that she needed financial assistance to start a business and cover medical expenses for a relative.
To make the deception more convincing, the fraudsters even created a fake ID and medical documents, according to the police investigation.
“Throughout the process, Mr. Liu never met Ms. Jiao in person,” CCTV reported.
A CCTV video showcased AI-generated images of the supposed girlfriend in various settings, including posing with a paint palette and standing on a city street.
This case highlights the growing danger of AI-driven fraud, as scammers worldwide exploit technology to create believable fake identities. Earlier this month, Meta warned internet users about the rise of romance scams powered by generative AI, urging people to stay cautious when interacting with online acquaintances.
Authorities are now warning the public to be extra vigilant when engaging in online relationships, especially when financial requests are involved.
