How Did One Man Fall Victim To An AI ‘Girlfriend’?

A new case in Shanghai brings up a new threat in online romance. A local man, known as Liu, transferred nearly £22,000 to someone he believed was his long-distance partner. Scammers created a fictional persona named Ms Jiao through advanced software, sending him tailored messages, photos, and video clips.

The criminals behind Ms Jiao insisted that she needed money for medical procedures and business investments. Liu felt pressured to help, since the messages seemed personalised and urgent. Police investigations later uncovered artificial intelligence methods at work, featuring fabricated images and health documents.

Liu never saw Ms Jiao in person. Every photo and video was an elaborate trick. Law enforcement has arrested those who orchestrated this scheme, warning others to watch for suspicious behaviour in online chatrooms.

 

Are Romance Scams More Sophisticated Now?

 

Investigations in China and the rest of the world show that digital trickery is becoming more advanced. Criminals do not depend solely on text messages anymore. They generate video clips where the fake partner appears to speak convincingly, raising trust among unsuspecting targets.

Cases in France and the UK are similar. One French woman in her 50s believed she was speaking to Brad Pitt. In the end, fraudsters took over £600,000, leaving her devastated.

There was also a case in England involving a woman in her 60s who accepted a request from someone claiming to be a high-ranking soldier. She sent large sums after viewing fabricated video evidence and personal details. Investigators later confirmed the entire persona was a hoax created through AI software.

Authorities in the United States have also flagged incidents. One family in Arizona faced a horrifying moment when crooks copied a girl’s voice through AI software and demanded a ransom. She was safe all along, but her mother feared the worst.

 

 

What Draws People To Digital Companions?

 

Some younger users see AI chatbots as friendly voices, responding at any hour without passing judgment. A study in the United States found that there are people who do in fact have an AI friend. Others say they are open to the idea.

There is a rising trend of AI romance, especially with younger users spending many hours online. Some researchers fear this trend could worsen isolation, although more study is needed. Devotees claim that AI companions create a quick escape from loneliness or heartbreak.

 

Is Artificial Intelligence Replacing Real Relationships?

 

Survey data from the Institute for Family Studies shows that 1 in 4 young adults believe virtual girlfriends or boyfriends could stand in for genuine romance. This feeling is said to be stronger among those who watch adult content frequently. They are also more open to having digital friendships.

Another finding shows that many people under 40 are torn on how AI may affect society. Almost half call it threatening, and the other half call it intriguing. Females report slightly more anxiety than males, especially in lower income groups.

Income and education also matter. Those lacking advanced qualifications or higher pay worry that robotic companions may take over upcoming tasks. At the same time, that group is more willing to consider AI-based romance compared to high earners or university graduates.

This is all a sign that social dynamics are changing, with a small but growing fraction of adults admits to living alongside an AI friend. That may be the start of a different stage in which emotional bonds take virtual forms, though many are unconvinced that machines can replace genuine human connection.