ATLANTA — A recent investigation reveals that thousands of AI-generated images of soldiers are being used to create fake social media accounts, leading to widespread online scams. These images depict fictional military personnel in emotional scenarios, such as holding signs that say they miss their families.
Many of these images contain noticeable flaws, such as soldiers with extra fingers or distorted uniforms. The pages sharing these photos often claim to be patriotic but are managed by users located overseas, particularly in Morocco.
Scammers impersonate military generals on social media, luring individuals into sending money under false pretenses. Retired U.S. Air Force General Douglas Fraser reported that over 300 fake accounts using his name exist online. He described the situation as a form of cyber warfare, noting that many victims have suffered significant financial losses.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 70,000 romance scams were reported in 2022, resulting in losses of $1.3 billion. Experts indicate that the scammers often originate from countries like Ghana and Nigeria, where they are trained to impersonate U.S. military officers.
Victims, often widows, share similar experiences of emotional manipulation through loving messages and promises of a future together. The investigation highlights the need for increased awareness and caution when interacting with individuals claiming to be military personnel online.