Shanghai Man Scammed of $28,000 by AI-Generated “Girlfriend”

A man in Shanghai was scammed out of 200,000 yuan ($28,000) by an AI-generated “girlfriend,” according to Chinese media reports. The victim, identified as Mr. Wang, met his virtual girlfriend through a messaging app. The AI, controlled by fraudsters, manipulated him into repeatedly sending money by fabricating emergencies and financial troubles. Authorities later discovered that the scam was orchestrated using AI-driven deepfake technology, highlighting the growing risk of AI-assisted fraud. The case underscores concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime.