Shanghai: A Shanghai resident was swindled out of nearly $28,000 after falling victim to an elaborate AI-powered romance scam, Chinese state media reported on Wednesday. According to state broadcaster CCTV, scammers used generative artificial intelligence software to fabricate a fictional woman, "Ms. Jiao," creating lifelike video clips and images to establish a convincing online presence.

The victim, identified as Mr. Liu, was deceived into believing he was in a long-distance relationship and transferred 200,000 yuan ($28,000) to assist his supposed girlfriend with business investments and a relative’s medical expenses. Investigators revealed that the fraudsters went to great lengths to maintain the illusion, producing AI-generated photos, videos, and even forged identity documents and medical reports.

"Throughout the process, Mr. Liu never met Ms. Jiao in person," the report stated. The case highlights growing concerns over the misuse of AI and deepfake technology in online scams. With the ability to generate hyper-realistic images and videos, scammers are exploiting unsuspecting victims with increasing sophistication.

Shanghai police are currently investigating the incident and working to identify the perpetrators. Authorities have warned the public to remain vigilant against AI-driven fraud, urging individuals to verify online relationships and remain cautious when transferring money to virtual acquaintances.