Deepfake scam impersonates Princess Leonor to defraud Latin Americans
Scammers used AI-generated deepfake videos on TikTok to impersonate Princess Leonor of Spain and defraud people across Latin America by promising to multiply their money. Victims were asked to send initial fees and reportedly lost between 500 and 800 euros each after the scammers disappeared.
What happened
Scammers created deepfake videos on social media, primarily TikTok, impersonating Princess Leonor of Bourbon and claiming to offer financial assistance. In the videos, generated using AI, the Princess allegedly promised to double any money sent to her, asking victims to transfer an initial fee or 'tax' to receive the aid.
The scam operated through fake TikTok accounts linked to WhatsApp numbers, where scammers posing as lawyers or the Princess herself requested transfers under the guise of processing fees or taxes. The fraudulent profiles accumulated thousands of views and comments from users seeking financial help.
Reported impact
Victims lost money ranging from 500 to 800 euros per transaction. One victim reported losing half of her monthly salary after being promised more than double her initial transfer; scammers then disappeared and became unresponsive.
Index analysis
The scam exploited the credibility of Princess Leonor's public figure and the fact that she has no official social media accounts. The use of AI-generated video and cloned voice made the fraudulent content appear authentic, particularly to users less familiar with verifying digital content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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