AI impersonation fraud in Shanghai

A 65-year-old hospital worker in Shanghai, identified as Yu Xiuzhen, used artificial intelligence to impersonate a young, prestigious doctor to defraud a construction contractor, Liu Hui, of 170,000 yuan.

After meeting on social media in 2021, the perpetrator maintained a massive online presence consisting of nearly 7,000 videos to build a following of approximately 10,000 people. The scam involved using AI face-swapping technology to maintain the illusion of a 29-year-old medical professional.

Over a five-month period, the victim was lured by promises of securing hospital construction projects and through a simulated romantic relationship. The perpetrator avoided in-person meetings by claiming family opposition and requesting funds for dowries and real estate in Shanghai. Police investigations revealed that Yu, who is actually a hospital cleaner with no medical credentials, had even used AI to impersonate her own mother to further the deception. The bank account used to receive the stolen funds was registered to another individual.