SHANGHAI, China – The promise of digital companionship took a costly turn for one Shanghai resident, who lost nearly US$28,000 after falling for an AI-generated romantic partner.
Authorities in China revealed that the victim, identified as Mr. Liu, was tricked into a long-distance relationship with a non-existent woman, crafted entirely by artificial intelligence. The elaborate scheme was orchestrated by scammers leveraging advanced AI tools to generate realistic videos, photos, and even identity documents for a fictional woman known as “Ms. Jiao,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The con artists went beyond static images, creating dynamic video clips to reinforce the illusion of a real person. With AI-generated messages and voice recordings, they established a convincing emotional connection with Liu, keeping him engaged in a fabricated romance.
As trust deepened, the scammers played on his emotions, convincing him that “Ms. Jiao” needed financial help for a new business venture and medical expenses for a relative. Over time, Liu transferred nearly 200,000 yuan (approximately US$28,000) to bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters—never once suspecting that his online partner was a work of digital fiction.
Authorities warn that AI-driven scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for victims to discern between real and fake relationships. Scammers now have access to generative AI tools capable of producing highly realistic faces, deepfake videos, and even lifelike voice imitations.
The case in Shanghai mirrors a growing global trend. Earlier this month, social media giant Meta issued a warning about rising cases of AI-fueled romance scams, urging users to be cautious of online connections that quickly lead to financial requests.
As AI continues to evolve, the boundaries between reality and deception blur, raising concerns about how such technology will be used in the future. While artificial intelligence has revolutionized industries, cases like Liu’s highlight the darker side of innovation—where love, trust, and technology collide in an unsettling way.
