AI-Generated Deepfake Images Fraud: Elderly Woman Defrauded in Taipei Impersonation Scam
Scammers impersonated retired singer 費玉清 on Facebook and defrauded an elderly woman in Taipei of over 10 million New Taiwan dollars over eight months by using AI-generated deepfake images claiming he was injured and needed medical funds.
What happened
A scam network created fake Facebook accounts impersonating singer 費玉清 (Fei Yu-Qing) and targeted an elderly woman in Taipei through private messages. The scammers claimed 費玉清 was in a car accident in Japan with a broken leg requiring surgery and needed medical funds.
The scammers used AI technology to create fraudulent images showing 費玉清 in a wheelchair with leg bandages and accompanying nursing care scenes. Starting in February, over eight months the woman transferred over 10 million New Taiwan dollars across multiple requests: 3.5 million for initial surgery, 6.5 million for a second surgery, and 1 million for an orphanage in Hong Kong.
The woman borrowed 1.75 million New Taiwan dollars from family members and shared the fake images of 費玉清 with friends seeking help. She only discovered the fraud when family members noticed inconsistencies and urged her to report it. 費玉清's management stated the singer has never created any social media accounts and all accounts using the name are fraudulent.
Reported impact
A woman in her 70s lost over 10 million New Taiwan dollars and exhausted her savings. She also incurred additional debt by borrowing 1.75 million New Taiwan dollars from family members based on the fraudulent claims.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.