AI-Generated Video Used in Mini Dinosaur Scam Attempt in Brazil
A scammer in Brazil attempted to defraud a consumer by advertising non-existent 'mini dinosaurs' for sale using AI-generated video footage. The victim became suspicious when the scammer demanded payment before providing additional images, and the fraud was definitively exposed by a visible watermark from Google's Gemini image generation tool.
What happened
A scammer advertised the sale of 'mini dinosaurs' for 500 reais on WhatsApp status, using AI-generated video showing reptiles in an enclosure with feeders and water bowls.
The advertisement included fake screenshots of supposed satisfied customers. When the victim requested more images, the scammer demanded payment via Pix before providing them.
A watermark from Google's Gemini AI tool was visible in the corner of the video, which alerted the victim's friend to the fraudulent nature of the listing.
Reported impact
A man from Vespasiano, in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, nearly fell for the scam but did not make the payment, avoiding financial loss.
Index analysis
The scammer used AI-generated imagery combined with fake customer testimonials to create the appearance of legitimacy and persuade the victim to buy non-existent animals.
The visible Gemini watermark in the video was the key indicator that exposed the fraud.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.