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‘100 Video Calls Per Day’: Models Are Applying to Be the Face of AI Scams
| USA | technology | ✓ Verified - wired.com

‘100 Video Calls Per Day’: Models Are Applying to Be the Face of AI Scams

#AI scams #deepfakes #models #video calls #online fraud #impersonation #ethical AI #digital security

📌 Key Takeaways

  • AI scam companies are hiring models to create convincing deepfake video content for fraudulent activities.
  • Models are reportedly making up to 100 video calls daily to impersonate real individuals in scams.
  • The rise of AI-generated personas is enabling more sophisticated and large-scale online fraud schemes.
  • This trend highlights growing ethical and security concerns in the use of AI technology for deception.

📖 Full Retelling

Dozens of Telegram channels reviewed by WIRED include job listings for “AI face models.” The (mostly) women who land these gigs are likely being used to dupe victims out of their money.

🏷️ Themes

AI Fraud, Digital Ethics

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This news highlights the emerging commercialization of AI-generated identities for fraudulent purposes, posing significant risks to cybersecurity and public trust. It affects individuals who may fall victim to sophisticated scams, businesses targeted for impersonation, and the modeling industry facing ethical dilemmas. The trend underscores the urgent need for regulatory frameworks and public awareness as AI tools become more accessible and convincing.

Context & Background

  • AI deepfake technology has advanced rapidly, enabling realistic video and audio synthesis from minimal data.
  • Online scams have increasingly utilized social engineering, with romance and investment frauds causing billions in losses annually.
  • The gig economy has expanded to include digital labor markets where individuals sell likenesses or services for various purposes.
  • Regulatory efforts, like the EU's AI Act, are emerging to address AI misuse but lag behind technological deployment.

What Happens Next

Expect increased reports of AI-driven scams in 2024-2025, prompting law enforcement and tech companies to develop detection tools. Regulatory bodies may propose stricter laws on digital identity verification, while public education campaigns on recognizing deepfakes will likely expand. The modeling industry could face ethical guidelines or unionization efforts to address exploitation in AI applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do AI scams using models' faces typically work?

Scammers use AI to create deepfake videos or images of models, impersonating them in video calls to build trust with victims for fraud, such as fake investment schemes or romance scams. These calls appear authentic, making it harder for targets to detect deception.

Why are models applying for these roles despite the risks?

Models may be attracted by high pay rates in a competitive industry, with some unaware of the fraudulent intent or lured by promises of legitimate work. Economic pressures and lack of transparency from recruiters contribute to their participation.

What can individuals do to protect themselves from such scams?

Verify identities through multiple channels, be skeptical of unsolicited video calls requesting money or personal information, and use AI detection tools when available. Reporting suspicious activity to authorities can help track and mitigate these threats.

Are there legal consequences for models involved in AI scams?

Models could face legal liability if knowingly participating in fraud, but many may be considered victims if deceived. Laws vary by jurisdiction, with increasing focus on holding all parties accountable in digital fraud cases.

How is technology evolving to combat AI-driven scams?

Tech companies are developing deepfake detection algorithms and digital watermarking to authenticate content. Blockchain-based identity verification and AI ethics guidelines are also emerging to enhance security and transparency.

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Original Source
Matt Burgess Security Mar 16, 2026 5:00 AM ‘100 Video Calls Per Day’: Models Are Applying to Be the Face of AI Scams Dozens of Telegram channels reviewed by WIRED include job listings for “AI face models.” The women who land these gigs are likely being used to dupe victims out of their money. Photo-Illustration: WIRED Staff; Getty Images Save this story Save this story When applying for jobs, Angel talks up her language skills. “I can speak fluent English, I can speak good Chinese, I also speak Russian and Turkish,” the glamorous, 24-year-old Uzbekistani woman explains in a selfie-style video made for recruiters. Angel had arrived in the Cambodian city of Sihanoukville that day, she said, and was ready to start work immediately. Those impressive language skills, however, have likely been put to use as part of elaborate “ pig-butchering ” scams targeting Americans. That’s because, instead of applying for a conventional corporate job, Angel was putting herself forward to work as an “AI face model”—sitting in front of a computer all day and making deepfake video calls to manipulate potential scam victims. Her application, which also required her height and weight, says she has already clocked up “1 year as an AI model.” Angel is far from alone in this pursuit. A WIRED review of dozens of recruitment videos and job ads posted to Telegram show people from around the world—including Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and multiple Asian countries—applying to be AI models or “real face” models in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. The region has become home to vast, industrialized scamming operations that hold thousands of human trafficking victims captive and force them to run online cryptocurrency investment and romance scams . As well as tricking people into working in scam compounds , these high-tech , multibillion-dollar criminal enterprises can also attract people into seeking “work” as part of the operations. “In the past year until today, they are also hiring people doing ...
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