Man duped by 'Jennifer Aniston' in 'deepfake' romance scam
A devastated Friends superfan claims he was brutally scammed out of £200 by a fraudster posing as Jennifer Aniston.
Paul Davies from Southampton believed he was chatting to the Rachel Green star on social media, before ' Jennifer ' asked him to hand over the cash so she could pay for her "Apple subscriptions" reports the Mirror.
Paul claims he was bombarded with scarily realistic AI-generated videos and messages from supposed Hollywood stars, including fake clips of Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk.
The 43-year-old said ' Jen ' sent him her driving license as proof of her identity and he fell for it, not least because she told him she 'loved him'.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'I've had fake videos from Jennifer Aniston saying she loves me and asking for £200. I believed it – and I paid.'
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The cruel scam saw him send £200 worth of non-refundable Apple gift cards to the alleged American sweetheart as Paul admitted: 'I got bitten. 'Once bitten, twice shy.'
During their conversation on social media, ' Jennifer ' sent various sweet messages to Paul while also warning him not to contact Facebook because "you don't want problems".
The twisted con is part of a worrying wave of deepfake, AI generated videos, which often forge someone's face, voice or entire likeness.
Paul says he's been hounded by droves of deepfake videos, often claiming he's won a huge prize, endorsed by a fake celebrity.
One video even showed a fake Zuckerberg declaring: 'This is not a scam - believe me' while flashing a phoney ID.
'They make it look so real,' Paul said. "It's been going on for five months. I thought someone would get in trouble for this, but they seem to be having a laugh – and getting away with it.'
Paul, who admits his mental health has been affected by the scam, said he's sharing his story to protect others.
It comes as another unsuspecting Facebook user was duped by a scammer pretending to be Brad Pitt.
The con artist swindled a French woman out of nearly £700,000 by pretending to be the Fight Club star, despite actually living in Nigeria and never stepping foot in front of a camera.
Interior designer Anne, 53, was tricked into funding a bogus cancer treatment for the so-called superstar after being sent AI-generated selfies and love messages.
The sham romance dragged on for over a year, costing Anne her life savings, her marriage, and her mental health.
Eventually a crack team discovered the scammer's identity, his Nigerian home, along with, sadly, 34 other victims.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
23 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Channel crossing migrants should face prosecution if child dies
Yvette Cooper told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it was 'totally appalling' that children were being 'crushed to death on these overcrowded boats, and yet the boat still continues to the UK'. She added: 'Everybody who is arriving on a boat where a child's life has been lost, frankly, should be facing prosecution, either in the UK or in France.' The Government has already included a new offence of 'endangering life at sea' in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently making its way through Parliament. Ms Cooper has previously said this would allow the authorities to act against people 'involved in behaviour that puts others at risk of serious injury or death, such as physical aggression, intimidation, or rejecting rescue attempts'. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has welcomed reports that French police were intervening in French waters to prevent crossings (PA) But on Friday, she appeared to go further by suggesting even getting on an overcrowded boat could result in prosecution. She said: 'If you've got a boat where we've seen all of those people all climb on board that boat, they are putting everybody else's lives at risk.' Crossings have increased in the past year, reaching 20,600 by July 2, a rise of 52% compared with the same period in 2024. Some 15 children died trying to cross the Channel last year, prompting charity Project Play to warn that conditions were becoming 'more dangerous' for young people. (PA Graphics) Advocacy co-ordinator Kate O'Neill, based in northern France, blamed policies aimed at preventing crossings for the increasing risk. She told the PA news agency: 'Ultimately the children we're meeting every day are not safe. 'They're exposed to a level of violence, whether it's they are directly victims of it or the witness. 'We're ultimately at all times putting out fires… the underlying issue is these policies of border securitisation… that are creating more and more barriers to child safety and child protection.' She said there was hope when the Labour Government took office a year ago that there would be some improvement, adding: 'This is not at all what we've seen. 'They continued to make conditions more difficult and more dangerous.' She said: 'The smash-the-gangs narrative is not effective and it's harmful because ultimately the only way to put the gangs out of business is to cut the need for them.' Meanwhile, Ms O'Neill said French police were already intervening in crossing attempts in shallow waters despite the changes to the rules to allow this having not yet come into force. She said: 'This is not a new tactic… it's something that has been happening for a long time in Calais and surrounding areas. 'My feeling is that this is increasing based on the number of testimonies we're receiving from children and their families recently. 'It's really dangerous because the children often are in the middle of the boats.' On Friday, the Home Secretary welcomed reports that French police were intervening in French waters to prevent crossings, and said she had been 'working very closely with the French interior minister' to ensure the rules were changed 'as swiftly a possible'. Ms Cooper also declined to confirm reports the UK was looking at a 'one in, one out' policy that would see people who had crossed the Channel returned to Europe in exchange for asylum seekers with connections to Britain. Asked about the policy, she would only tell Sky News that ministers were 'looking at a range of different issues' and 'different ways of doing returns'.
Glasgow Times
24 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
William and Kate to join King and Queen for Macron's Windsor carriage ride
Kate, who has opened up about her 'rollercoaster' cancer recovery, its life-changing impact and putting on a 'brave face', will carry out royal duties as part of the French leader's state visit on Tuesday. Kensington Palace has yet to confirm whether or not the princess will attend the banquet in Windsor Castle's St George's Hall in the evening. The King and Queen are hosting French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte next week (Daniel Leal/PA) The princess, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and confirmed she was free from the disease at the start of this year, last made an appearance at a grand royal dinner 20 months ago in November 2023 in honour of the South Korean president. Mr Macron's state visit to the UK, from July 8-10, is the first to be hosted at Windsor Castle, rather than Buckingham Palace, in a more than a decade since that of the Irish president Michael D Higgins in 2014. In a personal touch, the King and Queen will, on Wednesday, take the Macrons to see Fabuleu de Maucour, a 10-year-old grey gelding which Mr Macron gifted to known horse-lover the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee. Fabuleu de Maucour belonged to the largely ceremonial French Republican Guard and was trained to carry the standard-bearer. Fabuleu de Maucour, the horse gifted by @EmmanuelMacron to HM The Queen in 2022 for her Platinum Jubilee, was today present at the Brigade Major's Review. Riding Fabuleu was Master of the Horse, Lord De Mauley. Watch this space to see them on 17 June for Trooping the Colour!🐴 — French Embassy UK🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@FranceintheUK) June 1, 2023 They will also view an elegant Charabanc carriage from the Royal Mews, which was a present to Queen Victoria from King Louis-Philippe of France in 1844. And the Macrons will privately pay their respects at the late Queen's tomb in St George's Chapel by laying flowers in tribute. Charles, Ranger of Windsor Great Park, will also invite the president to tour the Windsor Castle Gardens, including areas of nature restoration and biodiversity and the wider Great Park. State visits, which capitalise on the royals' soft power to strengthen diplomatic ties overseas, have moved from Buckingham Palace to Windsor for the next few years while reservicing work continues at the London royal residence and starts to affect the state rooms. The King with President of France Emmanuel Macron during the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock in July 2024 (Hollie Adams/PA) The arrangements are likely to form the template for US president Donald Trump's high-profile state visit in September, but much will depend on security considerations for the US leader, who survived an assassination attempt last year. William and Kate will meet Mr and Mrs Macron at RAF Northolt on Tuesday morning on behalf of the King and travel with them to Windsor. Charles and Camilla will formerly greet their guests on a Royal Dais constructed on Datchet Road in Windsor town centre, with the castle in the backdrop as gun salutes sound in nearby Home Park. The King, the Queen, the Waleses and Mr and Mrs Macron will then take a carriage procession through the Berkshire town and along part of the Long Walk which leads to the castle, just like President Sarkozy did. French President Nicolas Sarkozy rides in a carriage with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in 2008 (Darren Staples/PA) A ceremonial welcome will be staged in the castle's quadrangle with Camilla, William, Kate and Mrs Macron watching as the King and Mr Macron inspect the Guard of Honour. Lunch will be hosted in the State Dining Room, after which the president and his wife, the King and Queen and members of the royal family will view a special exhibition of items relating to France from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room. Mr and Mrs Macron will also travel to London on Tuesday afternoon to see the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey, visit the Palace of Westminster where the French leader will address parliamentarians in the Royal Gallery, and meet opposition leaders at Lancaster House. The King and president will both deliver speeches at the banquet on Tuesday evening. Queen Elizabeth II toasts after her speech during a state banquet in honour of the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins at Windsor Castle in 2014 (Dan Kitwood/PA) Wednesday will see the president and Mrs Macron join Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer for lunch at Downing Street, ahead of a UK-France summit at Number 10 on Thursday. The King and Queen paid a state visit to France in September 2023 and enjoy a warm rapport with Mr and Mrs Macron, who will stay in the castle during their trip. The last state visit to the UK from France was in March 2008 when the now-disgraced president Nicolas Sarkozy, since convicted of corruption and influence peddling, and his wife Carla Bruni, were the guests of Elizabeth II at Windsor. The Princess of Wales planting a rose during a visit to the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital this week (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The King, who is still being treated for cancer, has had a busy recent run of engagements, carrying out a host of visits in Scotland for Royal Week. Kate, who spoke about the challenges of her recovery during a visit to the RHS's Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital on Wednesday, took part in the Qatari state visit last December, accompanying the Emir to Horse Guards Parade with William, attending the ceremonial welcome, the lunch and the Picture Gallery exhibition.
Scottish Sun
30 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Oasis hire Justin Bieber's burly bodyguard and Madonna's ‘clean eating' chef for epic reunion tour
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OASIS have hired Justin Bieber's longtime bodyguard Ian Norrington for their reunion tour, along with Madonna's chef Darren Staats. The East London hardman looked after the American pop star during the height of his career but he has now joined Noel and Liam Gallagher on their global 41-date sold out run of shows. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Oasis have hired Justin Bieber's longtime bodyguard Ian Norrington for their reunion tour, along with Madonna's chef Darren Staats Credit: AFP 5 A source said: 'Ian is one of the best in the security business and looked after Justin for years" Credit: Getty 5 Ian Norrington is Justin's security guard The band, including Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Joey Waronker, will kick off the tour in Cardiff's Principality Stadium tonight. Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@ and you could even get PAID A source said: 'Ian is one of the best in the security business and looked after Justin for years. 'Oasis know the tour is going to be absolutely frenzied so there is no one better to look after them than Ian. 'At the height of his fame, Justin's fans were wild and the crowds around him were huge. 'Ian is an old hand and is the perfect fit.' As well as bringing Ian on board, Noel 58, and Liam, 52, have called upon the services of Madonna's former chef Darren. An insider added: 'Darren knows exactly what the band want on tour - it's got to be healthy and nutritious - as well giving them plenty of energy to get through the gigs. 'Previously he's worked for Madonna and Tori Amos. Liam Gallagher's ex wife Patsy Kensit reveals if she will be going to see Oasis tonight as reunion tour kicks off 'There is a focus on clean foods, as well as rustling up some of their favourite grub as a treat.' Noel and Liam arrived in Cardiff earlier this week ahead of tonight's first show. Earlier those close to Noel and Liam said the pair were 'as good as gold,' adding that the set list was 'monumental.' A source added: 'Both of the brothers are ready and raring to go. 'They have described the set list as monumental and think the band have never sounded better. Oasis 2025 tour dates OASIS brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have revealed a 17 gig comeback tour next summer - here are the details The Wonderwall hitmakers will delight crowds as follows: JULY 2025 4th - Cardiff, Principality Stadium 5th - Cardiff, Principality Stadium 11th - Manchester, Heaton Park 12th - Manchester, Heaton Park 16th - Manchester, Heaton Park 19th - Manchester, Heaton Park 20th - Manchester, Heaton Park 25th - London, Wembley Stadium 26th - London, Wembley Stadium 30th - London, Wembley Stadium AUGUST 2025 2nd - London, Wembley Stadium 3rd - London, Wembley Stadium 8th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium 9th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium 12th - Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium 16th - Dublin, Croke Park 17th - Dublin, Croke Park SEPTEMBER 2025 27th - London, Wembley Stadium 28th - London, Wembley Stadium 'They've been waiting almost a year for this first show and they can wait to get out on stage and play for their fans. 'There's nothing else they can do now. They're as ready as they can be and the rest is in the lap of the gods.' Oasis, who clocked up over 70 million record sales worldwide after forming in Manchester in 1991, split in 2009 following a fall out between the brothers. They will perform together tonight in Cardiff for the first time in 16 years in front of 74,500 fans. Following huge shows here tonight and tomorrow, Oasis will take a short break before kicking off their run of shows at Heaton Park in Manchester on July 11. 5 As well as bringing Ian on board, Noel 58, and Liam, 52, have called upon the services of Madonna's former chef Darren Credit: Getty
