Scammers exploit Princess Leonor identity on TikTok with AI-generated profiles
Fraudsters created dozens of fake TikTok accounts impersonating Princess Leonor of Spain using AI-generated content including voice cloning. The scammers targeted victims in Latin America with fake prizes and charitable donation schemes, with at least one confirmed victim losing $800.
What happened
Scammers opened dozens of fake accounts impersonating Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, primarily on TikTok. The fraudulent profiles used AI technology to create convincing identities and attracted hundreds of thousands of followers, particularly in Latin America.
The fake accounts lured victims with promises of large financial prizes and claims of access to substantial charitable donation funds. Victims were asked to make donations under the guise of humanitarian assistance, then faced escalating demands for administrative fees, taxes, or legal costs to claim their supposed prizes.
Reported impact
A 39-year-old mother of two from Guatemala named Juana Cobo sent payments totalling $800 to scammers impersonating the princess. The scammers used various methods including voice cloning to impersonate Princess Leonor on TikTok and other platforms, creating elaborate false scenarios.
Index analysis
Princess Leonor, 19 years old, does not maintain any social media accounts, particularly not TikTok. The widespread impersonation exploited this absence to deceive followers into believing the fake profiles were legitimate.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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