A man in Shanghai fell victim to an elaborate scam, losing nearly $28,000 after engaging in a long-distance “relationship” with what he believed to be a real woman—only to later discover she was an AI-generated persona, Chinese state media reported on Wednesday.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, scammers used advanced generative AI software to create lifelike images and videos of a fictional woman, identified as “Ms. Jiao.” These deceptive visuals were used to gain the trust of the victim, Mr. Liu, convincing him that he was in a genuine romantic relationship.
Under the pretence of needing financial support for business investments and medical expenses for a relative, the fraudsters persuaded Liu to transfer nearly 200,000 yuan (approximately $28,000) to what he assumed was his girlfriend’s bank account. To make the scheme more convincing, the scammers even fabricated identification documents and medical records.
Authorities investigating the case found that a group of fraudsters was behind the operation, using AI-generated images and videos or composites of multiple pictures to construct a convincing online persona.
“Throughout the entire interaction, Mr. Liu never met Ms. Jiao in person,” the report stated.
CCTV footage showcased various AI-created images of the fictitious woman in different settings, including one where she was seen holding a paint palette and another of her standing on a city street.
The rise of AI-powered tools capable of generating highly realistic text, images, and even live video has fueled increasingly sophisticated scams worldwide.
Earlier this month, U.S. social media giant Meta warned internet users to remain cautious of online acquaintances who promise romance but request money. The company noted a growing trend of scams leveraging generative AI to deceive victims.
