Criminals in Ho Chi Minh City are using AI deepfake technologies to blackmail men by creating fake accounts of supermodels. The local police have reported that these deepfake accounts lure victims into sexting and then extort money from them by threatening to expose the private content. The police are actively investigating these cases and have collaborated with other sectors to tackle the issue.
One victim, named Hung from District 10, shared his experience of being tricked by a deepfake account posing as a famous female model. Initially skeptical, Hung was convinced after a video call where the fake model appeared to reveal personal details. During a moment of vulnerability, he agreed to engage in sexting, which led to him being blackmailed with the video clips.
Hung was coerced into transferring a total of VND500 million ($19,642) to the blackmailer’s account. Despite paying the extortionist, he continued to face threats and was eventually forced to report the crime to the police out of fear and anxiety. The police have received multiple similar reports and are warning people about the risks associated with sharing sensitive content online.
Authorities advise residents to be cautious about sharing personal photos and videos, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook, Tinder, and Zalo. The police emphasize the importance of protecting one’s digital identity and being aware of the potential dangers posed by deepfake technology.
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