A man in Shanghai, China, has become the latest victim of a sophisticated AI romance scam, losing nearly $28,000 after being duped by a fictional persona created using generative artificial intelligence. According to reports from Chinese state media, scammers employed advanced AI programs to produce highly realistic videos and photographs of a young woman they called ‘Ms. Jiao.’ The victim, believing he had formed a genuine romantic connection, transferred approximately 200,000 yuan (around $28,000) to the woman’s bank account, only to later discover that the entire relationship was a fabrication.

The scam was meticulously crafted to appear authentic. In addition to AI-generated images and videos, the fraudsters built a complete fake identity for Ms. Jiao, complete with fabricated medical records and bills. These documents were used to manipulate the victim emotionally, convincing him that the woman urgently needed financial assistance for healthcare costs. This blend of AI-generated content and traditional social engineering techniques made the deception particularly convincing.

How the AI Romance Scam Worked

Romance scams have been a persistent problem in the digital age, but the introduction of generative AI has elevated their sophistication to new heights. In this case, the scammers likely used tools that can generate photorealistic images and videos, as well as text-based conversations, to simulate a real person. The AI could have been programmed to respond in ways that mirrored genuine human emotions, building trust over weeks or months. Fake medical documents were then introduced as a crisis, prompting the victim to send money out of sympathy.

The Growing Threat of AI in Romance Fraud

This incident is not isolated. Cybersecurity firm McAfee released a report on February 11, 2025, highlighting the alarming rise of AI-enabled romance fraud. The report reveals that more than half (52%) of people have been scammed out of money or pressured to send money or gifts by someone they met online. McAfee observed an “explosion of online romance fraud” across social media, messaging platforms, and AI chatbots. Specifically, 26% of respondents said they—or someone they know—have been approached by an AI chatbot posing as a real person on a dating app or social media. Additionally, 21% reported being contacted by someone pretending to be a well-known public figure. Among those who fell for such impersonations, 33% lost money, with an average reported loss of $1,985.

The scale of the problem is enormous. In the seven weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day 2025, McAfee blocked 321,509 fraudulent URLs designed to lure victims into romance scams. These websites often mimic legitimate dating platforms or offer AI-generated companion services, but their true purpose is to steal personal information and money.

Case Study: The Brad Pitt Scam

In another high-profile case reported at the beginning of 2025, a woman in France was defrauded of €830,000 ($850,000) after being convinced she was in a relationship with Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. Scammers used AI-generated videos and voice cloning to impersonate the actor, engaging in daily conversations and even sending what appeared to be personal messages. The victim believed she was in a intimate relationship and eventually handed over massive sums of money. This case underscores how AI can be weaponized to impersonate celebrities, exploiting their public personas to gain trust.

Why AI Makes Scams More Dangerous

Traditional romance scams often relied on stolen photos and scripted messages, which could be detected by vigilant users. However, AI enables scammers to create unique, interactive experiences that adapt to each victim. Generative AI can produce unlimited custom images and videos, making the fake persona appear to live a real life. Voice cloning adds another layer of realism, allowing scammers to hold phone conversations. Chatbots powered by large language models can maintain coherent, emotionally resonant conversations without human intervention, lowering the cost and increasing the scale of fraud operations.

Furthermore, AI-generated content can be quickly tailored to match a victim’s interests and preferences, increasing the likelihood of emotional attachment. Scammers can also use deepfakes to fabricate evidence of shared activities, like pretending to video call from a hospital or travel destination.

McAfee Report Highlights the Urgency

McAfee’s study surveyed thousands of adults across multiple countries, revealing that AI romance scams are no longer rare. Key findings include:

• 52% of respondents have been scammed or pressured to send money/gifts to an online romantic interest.
• 26% know someone who was approached by an AI chatbot on a dating app.
• 21% were contacted by an impersonator of a public figure; 33% of those victims lost money.
• Average loss per victim: $1,985 for public figure impersonations.
• 321,509 fraudulent romance scam URLs blocked by McAfee in early 2025.

These statistics demonstrate that AI is not just a futuristic threat—it is actively reshaping the landscape of online fraud today. The emotional and financial toll on victims can be devastating, often leading to long-term psychological harm.

Protecting Yourself from AI Romance Scams

While technology companies and law enforcement work to counter these scams, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk. First, be skeptical of online relationships that progress quickly, especially if the person refuses to video call or meet in person. Use reverse image search tools to check profile photos; AI-generated images may not match any real person. Never send money to someone you have not met face-to-face, no matter how convincing the story. Pay attention to inconsistencies in stories, odd grammar in messages, or refusal to engage in real-time conversation. If a voice call feels artificial, ask specific questions that an AI might not handle well. Additionally, avoid sharing sensitive personal information with online acquaintances.

Dating platforms are also stepping up. Many are implementing AI detection systems to flag bots and fake profiles. However, scammers constantly adapt, so users must remain vigilant. Education is key—understanding how these scams operate can prevent people from falling prey.

The Broader Implications of AI Fraud

The rise of AI romance scams is part of a larger trend of cybercriminals adopting generative AI for various fraud schemes. From deepfake blackmail to AI-generated phishing emails, the technology lowers barriers for criminals while increasing the believability of their attacks. Governments and regulatory bodies are beginning to respond. For example, China has introduced strict laws against deepfake content without consent, and the European Union has proposed the AI Act to regulate high-risk applications. However, enforcement remains challenging due to the global and anonymous nature of the internet.

McAfee’s report calls for greater collaboration between tech companies, law enforcement, and international agencies to share threat intelligence and takedown fraudulent operations. Public awareness campaigns should highlight not only the risks but also the specific role of AI in modern scams. As AI continues to evolve, so too will the methods used to exploit human emotions. The Shanghai case and the Brad Pitt scam are stark reminders that no one is immune. A combination of skepticism, education, and technology will be essential to staying safe in the digital dating world.

Source: ReadWrite News