While some scammers do not hesitate to wear the colors of large companies like Lidl, Decathlon or Facebook to defraud Internet users with finesse, others choose to play with feelings and even impersonate celebrities. While this type of scam is far from new, the rise of artificial intelligence could well make the situation worse.
This Sunday, January 12, 2025, TF1 broadcast a report on a woman who unfortunately fell into the trap. Convinced of having charmed the American actor Brad Pitt, she lost more than 800,000 euros. On social networks, Internet users cannot help but make fun of the naivety of the victim, as the photos sent by the grazers are grotesque and implausible. We imagine that scammers know where to press to coax and convince their victims, who are often in emotional distress or mentally fragile.
If the idea that a fake Brad Pitt was able to amass nearly a million euros through absurd montages may make you smile, this new case of sentimental fraud and identity theft reminds us that this can happen to anyone. Faced with skillful use of artificial intelligence, a person who is not in tune with new technologies could well be fooled. Especially if she is vulnerable. How to protect yourself?
When it’s too good to be true…
If you’re promised great things very easily or if your favorite actor makes advances towards you on Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp, you have to remember one thing: when it’s too good to be true, there’s a good chance that this is just a scam.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in a movie. So yes, the chances of having seduced George Clooney, Keanu Reeves or Brad Pitt are tiny. Likewise, you certainly have not won an iPhone 16 Pro Max even though you never participate in competitions (and even so…).
Also read – No, Keanu Reeves is not flirting with you, it’s a scam
Always keep your eyes open
If, despite everything, the statements of your favorite actor or actress seem more real than ever and you firmly believe that you are the chosen one, it is possible to be sure if it is indeed and indeed a scam in several ways. Today, photos and videos can be easily falsified, with more or less credible montages or thanks to artificial intelligence.
Grok is an impressive (and scary) tool that allows you to generate images of celebrities via X (formerly Twitter). Look, I asked him to generate footage of Ryan Gosling confessing his love and admiration for me. We almost want to believe it.
But apart from the fact that the actor of barbie has undoubtedly never heard of me and my work, which makes the photos not very credible, you just have to analyze them more closely to see that there is something disturbing about them. The eyes, the hands, the face… This Ryan Gosling is not really doing well. Let’s not talk about the text which often includes mistakes. However, this could well convince a naive, vulnerable person who is not aware of developments in artificial intelligence.
© Grok / Lemon squeezer
© Grok / Lemon squeezer
It is also possible to falsify videos with deepfakes. If you receive any, keep your eyes peeled. The latter have their weaknesses: change of light, voice poorly synchronized with the lips, jerky movements… You have to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb.
Romance scams can last for months or even years. The goal for the criminals is to establish a climate of trust to better deceive their victim. Some even go so far as to send real gifts so don’t be fooled.
Therefore, we wisely advise you to call “the love of your life” by telephone and videoconference. Live, it’s much more difficult to deceive others. It is recommended to ask for things that are difficult to predict, such as holding a fork or putting your finger on the top of your head at unexpected times. If your interlocutor is reluctant to call, and even less inclined to meet, this is very suspicious. Especially if he does not hesitate to ask for your financial help.
Never communicate your personal data
If, despite everything, the photos, videos, messages and even calls are convincing and Leonardo DiCaprio or Monica Bellucci really seems in love with you, this is not a reason to entrust your personal data. If a celebrity falls in love with you, they will never ask you for money. Under no circumstances. It is therefore important to never disclose your IBAN, with which crooks can have funand never send money, even if your darling assures you that they are in the hospital or stuck on a shoot in Türkiye.
Again, if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. And if by chance, you really caught the eye of George Clooney or Scarlett Johansson, believe us, you will not need to send them considerable sums and you will see them arriving at your home in a private jet.
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By: Bitdefender
