British tourists attempted fraud at Spanish restaurant using AI-generated video
A British couple allegedly attempted to avoid paying their restaurant bill in Galicia, Spain by presenting an AI-generated video claiming to show insects on their tablecloth. The restaurant owner became suspicious when they refused to send him the video for verification and called police, prompting the couple to pay and leave.
What happened
A British couple visited a restaurant in Galicia, Spain, and ordered multiple dishes including seafood, fish, and meat, as well as one of the restaurant's most expensive wines.
When presented with the bill, the couple claimed to have found black insects on the tablecloth. They presented a video showing the tablecloth with the restaurant's logo and moving insects on it.
The couple stated they would not pay the bill and threatened to publish the video on social media. When the restaurant owner asked them to send him the video to examine it, they refused.
After the owner threatened to call police, the couple paid the bill in full and left the restaurant.
Reported impact
The restaurant owner suspected the video was artificial or AI-generated and was able to prevent payment fraud by refusing to accept the couple's claims without verification.
Index analysis
The incident is part of a reported pattern where AI-generated or manipulated visual content is being used to defraud restaurants and hospitality businesses. A similar case reportedly occurred at a hotel in Cambrils, Spain, where two tourists allegedly left without paying over 4,000 euros using an AI-manipulated bank document as proof of payment.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.