Scam: How to Spot a Fraudster and Avoid Getting Scammed?

© Pexels/Karolina Grabowska

While some scammers do not hesitate to display the colors of large companies like Lidl, Decathlon or Facebook to subtly scam Internet users, others choose to play with feelings and even usurp the identity of celebrities. If this type of scam is far from new, the rise of artificial intelligence could well make the situation worse.

This Sunday, January 12, 2025, TF1 broadcast a report on a woman who unfortunately fell for it. Convinced that she had charmed the American actor Brad Pitt, she lost more than 800,000 euros. On social networks, Internet users can't help but mock the victim's naivety, as the photos sent by the scammers are grotesque and implausible. We imagine that the scammers know where to push to coax and convince their victims, who are often in emotional distress or mentally fragile.

While the idea that a fake Brad Pitt was able to amass nearly a million euros through absurd montages may raise a smile, this new case of romantic fraud and identity theft reminds us that it can happen to anyone. Faced with the skillful use of artificial intelligence, a person who is not in tune with new technologies could well be fooled. Especially if they are vulnerable. How to protect yourself?

When it's too good to be true…

If you're promised the moon and the stars very easily or if your favorite actor makes advances on Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp, you have to remember one thing: when it's too good to be true, there's a good chance it's just a scam.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a movie. So yes, the odds of having seduced George Clooney, Keanu Reeves or Brad Pitt are slim. Likewise, you definitely haven’t won an iPhone 16 Pro Max even though you never enter contests (and even if you did…).

Read also – No, Keanu Reeves is not flirting with you, it's a scam

Always keep your eyes open

If, despite everything, the statements of your favorite actor or actress seem more real than ever and you firmly believe that you are the chosen one, it is possible to make sure if it is indeed a scam in several ways. Today, photos and videos can be easily falsified, with more or less credible montages or thanks to artificial intelligence.

Grok is an impressive (and scary) tool that allows you to generate images of celebrities via X (ex-Twitter). Look, I asked it to generate images of Ryan Gosling confessing his love and admiration for me. We would almost want to believe it.

© Grok/Lemon Squeezer

But besides the fact that the actor of Barbiehas undoubtedly never heard of me and my work, which makes the photos not very credible, you just have to analyze them more closely to see that there is something disturbing about them. The eyes, the hands, the face… This Ryan Gosling is not really well. Let’s not talk about the text which often includes mistakes. Nevertheless, it could well convince a naive, vulnerable person who is not aware of the developments in artificial intelligence.

© Grok/Lemon squeezer

© Grok/Lemon squeezer

It is also possible to fake videos with deepfakes. If you receive one, keep your eyes peeled. They have their weaknesses: changing lighting, poorly synchronized voices with lips, jerky movements, etc. You have to go through everything with a fine-tooth comb.

Romance scams can last for months, even years. The goal for the criminals is to establish a climate of trust to better fool their victim. Some even go so far as to send real gifts, so don't be fooled.

So, we wisely advise you to call “the love of your life” by phone and video conference. In person, it is much harder to deceive others. It is recommended to ask for things that are difficult to predict, such as holding a fork or putting your finger on the top of his head at unexpected times. If your interlocutor is not inclined to make calls, and even less to meet people, this is very suspicious. Especially if he does not hesitate to ask for your financial help.

Never share your personal data

If, despite everything, the photos, videos, messages and even calls are convincing and Leonardo DiCaprio or Monica Bellucci seem to be in love with you, this is not a reason to entrust your personal data. If a celebrity falls for you, they will never ask you for money. Under no circumstances. It is therefore important to never give out your IBAN, which scammers can have fun with, and to never send money, even if your sweetheart assures you that he is in the hospital or stuck on a film set in Turkey.

Again, if it seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. And if by chance, you really caught the eye of George Clooney or Scarlett Johansson, believe us, you won't need to send them huge sums of money and you'll see them land at your place in a private jet.

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