Sophisticated digital deception hits widow—learn how to recognise warning signs

In an age where technology has become intertwined with our daily lives, it's heartbreaking to hear stories like that of Perth widow Maggie Ayres, who was cruelly duped out of tens of thousands of dollars by a scammer wielding AI deepfake technology.

This alarming incident reminds us that while the digital world offers incredible conveniences, it also presents sophisticated dangers that target our most vulnerable moments.


After losing her husband of 46 years, Maggie sought companionship through online dating sites.

Unfortunately, her search for love opened the door to a deceitful predator who used advanced technology to exploit her trust and generosity.

The scammer, who called himself 'Bryan,' used deepfake technology to create a convincing digital persona.


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Perth widow Maggie Ayres lost thousands to a romance scam using AI deepfake technology. Credit: @abcnews / X


‘I found that his kindness and patience grew on me, making me feel safe, appreciated and loved,’ she said.

Deepfakes are a form of artificial intelligence that can manipulate video and audio to make it appear as though someone is saying or doing something they are not.

In this case, the scammer used the stolen identity of a US real estate agent to craft video calls that seemed genuine to the unsuspecting Maggie.


Their relationship progressed through scheduled video calls and messages, with 'Bryan' claiming to be in charge of an oil rig.

As trust was built, he eventually convinced Maggie to loan him substantial money to repair supposedly broken equipment.

The illusion shattered during a glitched video call, revealing the scammer's true face and leaving Maggie with the devastating realisation that she had been scammed.

‘While I still heard Bryan's voice, I saw a Black man sitting in a cupboard covering his head with a blanket, so I could still see his face,’ she said.

‘I shouted out loud in disbelief, 'Is this the reality? Is this guy the scammer? Am I really being scammed?’


Maggie wasn’t alone. In recent weeks, two Western Australians have lost over $1 million combined to similar deep fake romance scams.

The sophistication of these scams is alarming, and it's clear that the technology is outpacing the awareness and regulations needed to combat them.

The federal government has begun to take action, with new laws criminalising the sharing of AI-generated pornographic material.

However, experts like Paul Litherland from Surf Online Safe argue that immediate and comprehensive action is required to regulate the use of AI in such deceptive practices.


‘You can pump as much video or photo of that person into the AI, (and) it comes back almost a seamless sewing of video that looks like it's them,’ he said.

‘We need to get onto AI now, not in another five years or five weeks,’

‘It's respond now because we need these organisations to be regulated.’

Experts say warning signs include abnormal movements, low-quality video, and mismatched lip-syncing.

Always remember: if you haven’t met someone in person, don’t send money. Ayres shared, I've not only lost my companion, but also my independence, my self-confidence and my value,'
Key Takeaways

  • Perth widow Maggie Ayres was duped out of tens of thousands of dollars by a scammer using AI deepfake technology in a romance scam.
  • The scammer, named 'Bryan', built trust through messages and scheduled video calls before convincing her to lend him money for purported oil rig equipment repairs.
  • Deepfake technology was used to manipulate live video calls, mimicking a real person's voice and facial expressions, leading to Ayres questioning the reality during a glitched call.
  • Experts are calling for immediate action on AI regulation, highlighting red flags in deepfake videos, and advising against sending money without meeting in person.
Have you encountered suspicious online behaviour? How do you stay safe while navigating the digital world? Your insights could help a fellow member avoid a similar fate.
 
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I fully understand how people still fall for this type of scam. There are millions out there that are alone & lonely with a kind heart, just hoping to find someone to love and be loved.

I'm just glad I'm not one of them, even though I'm alone (Widow since 2017).
 
I fully understand how people still fall for this type of scam. There are millions out there that are alone & lonely with a kind heart, just hoping to find someone to love and be loved.

I'm just glad I'm not one of them, even though I'm alone (Widow since 2017).
These people need to be told that they won't find it on the internet.
 
Live and learn as the saying goes. No empathy here for any of these people that were scammed.
A lot of elderly citizens in our community still find the internet very daunting and just learning the simplest of the basics is a challenge for them. Keeping up to date with all of the alerts and how to implement them can be very overwhelming especially for those with only the very basic knowledge on how the internet works.
So show a bit of empathy toward these people instead of your current stance, these people need help not the indifference you so blatantly show.
 
A lot of elderly citizens in our community still find the internet very daunting and just learning the simplest of the basics is a challenge for them. Keeping up to date with all of the alerts and how to implement them can be very overwhelming especially for those with only the very basic knowledge on how the internet works.
So show a bit of empathy toward these people instead of your current stance, these people need help not the indifference you so blatantly show.
we all had to learn at a later stage in our life. sorry but my empathy does not extend to silly people looking for love on a scam. there will always be that one who thinks it wont happen to them and boom. if they feel it daunting then get of it.
 
I fully understand how people still fall for this type of scam. There are millions out there that are alone & lonely with a kind heart, just hoping to find someone to love and be loved.

I'm just glad I'm not one of them, even though I'm alone (Widow since 2017).
You’re right……It’s really dismal though to think that there are so many older people out there who are feeling so lonely that it affects an otherwise sound mind into making really bad decisions……..For me, I’m really fine with my own company, in fact sometimes I seek it out when I want to be alone…..
 
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Reactions: magpie1
I get so angry at the negative comments of the knockers on this page. Always the same members above who always have nothing but negative remarks about any subject & about people in an unfortunate situation as the lady above. For me you never have anything useful to say about most subjects & only show how ignorant you are to the subject in question. Which is why l regularly bypass your comments. Everyone to their own opinion you say & l agree but do you think you could have something positive to say occasionally???

I can only see reason in comments by Jo Piper3 , magpie1 & Ebby.
 
A lot of elderly citizens in our community still find the internet very daunting and just learning the simplest of the basics is a challenge for them. Keeping up to date with all of the alerts and how to implement them can be very overwhelming especially for those with only the very basic knowledge on how the internet works.
So show a bit of empathy toward these people instead of your current stance, these people need help not the indifference you so blatantly show.
Stop justifying stupidity magpie1. There is so much information out there, and not just on the internet, to be wary of scammers and a fool gets caught everyday. The basics will keep you safe. Stupidity will not.
 
Maybe we just need to meet people like we used to, out and about somewhere, volunteer to walk a dog if you don't have one of your own, that way, you see the person, get to know the person. Volunteer in an area that you enjoy, that way you meet genuinely like-minded people.

Furthermore, you never - ever - ever give anyone money without them having done some work for it!

If they are that good, and that genuine, they can get a loan from the bank.

Unfortunately, sweet little grandchildren, nieces and nephews, can be as deadly to the bank account and that hurts more.

Let us put some trust into the government and pray they help fix the AI problems pronto!
 
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Reactions: CristinaV
These people need to be told that they won't find it on the internet.
There are many successful marriages through these sites. I personally know of three recently. There are good people if not scammers on these sites
 
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Reactions: Ezzy
Stop justifying stupidity magpie1. There is so much information out there, and not just on the internet, to be wary of scammers and a fool gets caught everyday. The basics will keep you safe. Stupidity will not.
💩🤡
 

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