Tech

Deepfake: he steals 560,000 euros from his victim by pretending to be his friend thanks to an AI

In China, a scammer used artificial intelligence to extract less than 560,000 euros from his victim. To do this, he created a deepfake of a friend of the latter, to then ask them to invest in a tender. A case that increases the fear of AI in the Middle Kingdom.

deepfake
Credit: 123rf

As artificial intelligences gain in popularity, stories of hijackings and scams relying on these tools are increasing. This very morning, we reported to you that a simple image generated by an AI caused major disruptions in the American Stock Exchange. Many fears, moreover, turn to deepfakes, this technology which makes it possible to stick the face of any person on another.

If it sometimes allows you to escape disturbing accusations, which Elon Musk, not to mention him, does not hesitate to do, it is also a great tool for scammers of all kinds. A recent case, having taken place in China, just proves it. The scheme is as simple as diabolical. Using an AI, the thief duplicated the face of a friend of his victim before making a video call.

A simple deepfake cost this unlucky victim 560,000 euros

During this, the scammer encourages him to invest in a call for tenders, for the modest sum of 4.3 million yuan, or about 560,000 euros. Having full confidence in his friend, the victim complies. It is only much later that she realizes the deception. By calling his friend, the real one this time, he understands that she has been tricked, and immediately contacts the police.

On the same subject — Deepfake: demand for pornographic montages explodes, ads appear on Facebook

Fortunately, the authorities were very reactive and managed to recover a large part of the sum stolen. But the damage is already done. On Weibo, the Chinese social network, millions of users share their fears about artificial intelligence deepfakes in general, on the hashtag #AIscam (“AI scam”). “It proves that photos, voices and videos can all be used by scammers”writes one of them. “Can the security rules keep up with the technologies used by these people? »

Source : Reuters

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