SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) — A Springfield, Ohio, man says he misplaced cash via an obvious that utilized AI, making him suppose he was getting prizes from nation music star, Jelly Roll.
As synthetic intelligence advances, some are utilizing the know-how to impersonate celebrities, generally to persuade folks handy over cash. Ronnie Flint mentioned he fell sufferer to at least one such incident, and is now sharing his story to warn others.
Flint spoke to Nexstar’s WDTN, saying he’s shocked to see know-how come thus far and be utilized in a strategy to hurt others.
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“I really thought it was Jelly Roll,” Flint defined. He mentioned he was going about his day when he received a message on Fb that seemed to be from a celeb that he occurs to be a fan of. The message mentioned he gained $50,000 on a model new automotive.
The true Jelly Roll is seen on the left under, whereas the AI model of Jelly Roll will be seen on the correct, sporting a backward hat.
Jelly Roll performs at Nashville’s Large Bash New Yr’s Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, Tenn. (Photograph by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
A person in Springfield, Ohio, is sharing his story as a warning to others – if it looks like Jelly Roll is talking on to you, it is in all probability too good to be true. (WDTN)
Then the account despatched Flint a video of a person, who seems to be singer-songwriter Jelly Roll, asking him to cowl delivery to get his prizes. Flint was not satisfied, even after the web page despatched him what they are saying is Jelly Roll’s official driver’s license.
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There are many inaccurate options on that driver’s license, seen under. For instance, the singer in query goes by Jelly Roll, not “Jolly roll.” Since that is his stage title, it would not seem on his driver’s license both — his actual title, Jason DeFord, would. It additionally seems to be a Everlasting Resident Card, one thing Jelly Roll, a U.S. native, seemingly wouldn’t have. But when he did, “Nashville” would not seem on the cardboard. In that place, in keeping with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Companies, can be his nation of delivery.
However then Flint acquired a second video, which he mentioned stunned him.
“When they sent the second video where he actually said my full name, that got me,” mentioned Flint. “I was like, wow, it really is Jelly Roll. He said my name.”
The account then requested him to ship cash via Apple present playing cards. Flint despatched them a complete of $70, regardless that he is on a set earnings.
“I even told him that I’m on disability. You know, this is all the money that I have for the rest of the month,” mentioned Flint.
A member of the family warned Flint that this appeared like a rip-off, and he promptly stopped and filed a police report, however the messages for more cash preserve coming.
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“They’re thinking I’m going to send them another $30 on the 3rd, which ain’t going to happen,” mentioned Flint, who added that he desires to share his story with a view to make sure that nobody has to undergo what he did.
A number of organizations, in addition to police departments, say that if it is too good to be true, it usually is just too good to be true. You must also all the time be cautious if folks ask you to pay with present playing cards.
The Federal Commerce Fee (FTC) has warned in opposition to sending cash to celebrities who contact them on-line.
“Imposter scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way: a scammer pretends to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money. And that’s exactly what these celebrity imposters are trying to do,” the FTC mentioned.
Earlier this yr, an Illinois lady misplaced $62,000 to an account impersonating the actor Kevin Costner.
Nexstar’s Addy Bink contributed to this report.
