Among the targets are provincial leaders, who have received threatening messages and extortion demands.

High-tech scams

In Ben Tre Province, law enforcement discovered cases where scammers used AI tools to superimpose the faces of provincial leaders onto explicit images or videos.

The manipulated content is sent via email, delivery services, or text messages, accompanied by threats to release the material unless a ransom is paid.

One message received by two provincial leaders read: “I’m a private investigator hired to look into your alleged unlawful activities. I have compromising materials related to you. However, I have no personal vendetta and don’t intend to share these materials with my client. I’m just trying to make money.”

Similarly, in Tra Vinh Province, scammers targeted individuals with wealth or social influence, including provincial leaders.

They edited faces onto images of people in compromising situations, such as in motels or hotels, and called victims, accusing them of extramarital affairs.

The criminals then demanded money to prevent the fake material from being published on social media or sent to workplaces, threatening to tarnish reputations.

Warning from law enforcement

Ben Tre police identified the scam’s modus operandi, noting that criminals gather victims’ personal information - including photos, phone numbers, and social connections - through various sources, especially social media.

Advanced editing software and AI tools are then used to superimpose faces onto explicit images or videos sourced online.

To make the scams more convincing, criminals simulate screenshots of video clips with fake play buttons or film their manipulated content to create the illusion of live recordings.

Ben Tre police pointed out that trends like apps such as Faceplay and Reface, which allow users to superimpose faces onto preset images or videos, pose risks.

These apps often require access to photo albums or device locations, potentially exposing users’ personal data to misuse for fraudulent purposes.

Recommendations to the public

Authorities urge people to avoid sharing personal information or photos on social media, especially sensitive images that could be exploited.

Key precautions include: Not sharing personal data with unverified individuals or organizations. Verifying the source and intent of information before sharing or interacting.

Avoiding unfamiliar links or downloading unverified applications, which may contain malware capable of stealing personal data or money.

Refusing to transfer money or follow scammers’ instructions under threat.

When receiving threatening messages, emails, or calls, individuals should remain calm and report the incident to local law enforcement immediately.

Hoai Thanh