Ioan Gruffudd warns of AI scams using explicit images
The actor has urged fans to report impersonators and not to send money after a woman was deceived.
Incident → evidence → outcomeActor Ioan Gruffudd has issued a warning to fans about distressing scams involving explicit AI-generated images and videos of his likeness. The 53-year-old, known for his roles in the Fantastic Four film series and the ITV thriller Liar, urged followers not to engage with impersonators online or send them money.
Writing on Instagram, Gruffudd stated that a woman had been deceived into believing she was in an extramarital relationship with him for over a year. The woman, who attended a convention Gruffudd was recently at, showed him hundreds of AI images and videos sent by someone claiming to be the actor. These images were described as explicit and disturbing.
According to The Standard, the woman was targeted through a Facebook page dedicated to the crime drama Elsbeth, in which Gruffudd featured. The page reportedly sent her a mobile number and instructed her to communicate via the messaging app Telegram. There, the scammers began sending AI-generated images and videos to convince her it was Gruffudd.
Gruffudd clarified that any communication via message, Telegram, or social media pages not officially verified as his own is not him. He emphasised that he would never give out his personal mobile number to someone he does not personally know. He strongly advised followers to ignore and block all contact from anyone claiming to be him and to never send money.
The actor also stated that he has reported the scammer and their associated phone number to the police for investigation. He included the mobile number of the individual imitating him in his statement. Other celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Tom Jones, and Martin Lewis, have also spoken out about the misuse of AI technology.
Questions this report answers
01What kind of scams is Ioan Gruffudd warning fans about?
Ioan Gruffudd is warning fans about distressing scams that use explicit AI-generated images and videos to impersonate him. Scammers are creating fake content to deceive people, leading one woman to believe she was in a year-long relationship with the actor.
02What advice is Ioan Gruffudd giving to his fans?
Gruffudd is urging his followers not to engage with anyone claiming to be him online, especially through messaging apps like Telegram or unofficial social media pages. He strongly advises against sending any money and to block all contact from suspected impersonators.
03What action has Ioan Gruffudd taken regarding the scam?
Ioan Gruffudd has reported the scammer and their phone number to the police for investigation. He has also provided the phone number associated with the impersonator to help authorities with their inquiry.
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