AI deepfakes of Dubai prince used in romance scams
Fraudsters are using AI deepfake technology to impersonate Dubai's Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed, known as Fazza, in romance scams. Victims are lured on dating sites, then moved to messaging apps where scammers use real-time face-swapping during video calls to appear as the prince. One victim, Maria, a Filipino domestic worker, believed she was in a relationship with the prince after receiving constant romantic messages and video calls. The scam involves love-bombing before demanding money. Researchers trace some scams to Nigerian crime syndicates. The case highlights the growing use of AI in sophisticated fraud.
Key facts
- Fraudsters use real-time face-swapping AI to impersonate Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed (Fazza).
- Victims are targeted on dating sites and moved to messaging apps.
- Maria, a Filipino domestic worker, was a victim who received constant romantic messages.
- Scammers use live video calls with deepfake technology to appear as the prince.
- The scam involves love-bombing before financial exploitation.
- Some scams are traced to crime syndicates in Nigeria.
- The case was reported by Agence France-Presse.
- The deepfake video had matching lip movements but not the prince's voice.
Entities
Institutions
- Agence France-Presse
Locations
- Dubai
- United Arab Emirates
- Nigeria
- Philippines