Romance Scam Exploiting AI Dupes £17k from Victim: A Wake-Up Call
Nikki MacLeod, a 77-year-old retired lecturer from Edinburgh, has come forward to share her story after falling victim to a sophisticated online romance scam that used deepfake technology. Duped out of £17,000, she now hopes to raise awareness about the growing threat of AI-powered fraud.
Nikki's ordeal began when she met someone online who called herself "Alla Morgan." What seemed to be the beginning of a promising relationship turned into a devastating scam. Nikki's experience highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and the emotional and financial toll their schemes can take.
Loneliness and Deception
After losing her parents during the lockdown and ending a long-term relationship, Nikki turned to online chat groups for companionship. It was there she encountered "Alla Morgan," who claimed to be working on an oil rig in the North Sea.
Initially skeptical, Nikki was persuaded to send money for "Steam gift cards" to help Alla stay connected online. Despite her reservations, she became convinced by the authenticity of the recorded video messages "Alla" sent.
"I am not a stupid person, but she was able to convince me she was real," Nikki shared. "I was lonely, and I believed we were going to spend our lives together."
Deepfake Technology: A New Weapon for Scammers
The turning point came when Nikki requested a live video call, which Alla repeatedly avoided. Instead, she sent recorded messages that appeared to address Nikki directly, claiming to be on an oil rig during rough weather.
These videos were, in fact, created using deepfake technology, making them appear highly convincing. Cybersecurity expert Dr. Lynsay Shepherd explained:
"At first glance, the videos look legitimate. But if you look closely, the eye movements and jawlines can sometimes reveal the deception. With AI tools readily available, it has become relatively straightforward for scammers to create these fake videos."
A Series of Manipulations
Over time, the scam escalated. Nikki was contacted by someone posing as an HR representative from Alla's supposed employer, requesting money for a helicopter transfer so Alla could visit her in Scotland. Nikki sent £2,500, believing Alla would repay her.
In total, Nikki transferred £17,000 via gift cards, bank transfers, and PayPal, often using the "friends and family" function, which does not offer fraud protection.
The Scam Exposed
Nikki's bank eventually flagged the payments as suspicious, bringing the scam to light. Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating, and her bank and PayPal have recovered £7,000. However, the remaining amount, sent as personal payments, remains lost.
Nikki continues to receive messages from the scammers, including a recent claim that Alla Morgan is in a Turkish jail and needs more money.
How to Spot and Avoid Deepfake Scams
Experts like Dr. Lynsay Shepherd advise vigilance when interacting with strangers online:
- Be Wary of Unrealistic Claims: Scammers often claim to be in isolated or unreachable locations, such as oil rigs or military bases.
- Examine Videos Closely: Look for unnatural eye movements or inconsistencies around the jawline.
- Avoid Unusual Payment Requests: Never send gift cards, personal payments, or untraceable transfers to someone you’ve never met in person.
A Call for Awareness
Nikki’s story underscores the importance of staying vigilant in an increasingly digital world. "With the introduction of artificial intelligence, every single thing can be fake," she warned.
Police Scotland urges anyone who suspects they may be a victim of fraud to report it immediately by calling 101. Meanwhile, platforms like PayPal and Steam remind users to question unusual payment requests and avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified contacts.
As romance scams evolve with the use of AI and deepfake technology, it is crucial for everyone to remain cautious and informed. By sharing stories like Nikki’s, we can help others recognize the warning signs and protect themselves from falling victim to similar schemes.