An AI romance scam using deepfake technology to impersonate Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, popularly known as Fazza, has highlighted the growing sophistication of online fraud. According to an AFP investigation, victims were allegedly deceived through realistic AI-generated video calls, fake social media profiles, and promises of marriage before being persuaded to transfer money. Researchers reportedly traced some operations to alleged criminal syndicates in Nigeria, underscoring the increasing global threat posed by AI-enabled cybercrime.
AI Romance Scam: Deepfake Impersonating Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Defrauds Victims
An AI-powered romance scam impersonating Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, popularly known as Fazza, has allegedly deceived victims through realistic deepfake video calls, with researchers tracing some operations to criminal syndicates in Nigeria.
An AI romance scam using deepfake technology to impersonate Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, widely known by his pen name Fazza, has highlighted the growing sophistication of online fraud after victims reportedly lost substantial sums believing they were in genuine relationships.
According to an investigation by AFP, fraudsters allegedly created convincing AI-generated video calls and online identities while posing as the Emirati royal. Researchers have reportedly traced some of these scams to organised criminal syndicates operating from Nigeria.
One victim, identified only as Maria, a Filipino domestic worker whose identity has been withheld for privacy reasons, told AFP she first met the alleged scammer on a dating platform before conversations shifted to WhatsApp.
Maria said the individual regularly sent affectionate messages and frequently contacted her, creating what she believed was a genuine emotional relationship. The scam allegedly became increasingly convincing through realistic live video calls using AI-generated visuals.
AI Romance Scam Used Deepfake Video Calls and Fake Royal Promises
AFP reviewed a recording of one alleged WhatsApp video call in which the scammer appeared visually similar to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. Although the lip movements matched the spoken words, the voice reportedly differed from the prince’s authentic voice.
During one conversation, the scammer allegedly greeted Maria with affectionate messages while expressing appreciation for her support. Initially convinced of the relationship’s authenticity, she reportedly did not suspect fraud.
Maria told AFP she eventually transferred 100,000 Philippine pesos (approximately US$1,625) after allegedly being told the money would cover a marriage certificate and a “royal membership card” that would help her obtain employment in Dubai.
Her suspicions reportedly emerged after the individual proposed meeting at a hotel and requested an additional 60,000 Philippine pesos (approximately US$974) for booking arrangements.
After examining the Facebook account used by the alleged scammer, Maria noticed indications linking the account to Nigeria. The account has since been removed. She subsequently ended all communication with a final message rejecting the fraudster.
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Fake Fazza Profiles Highlight Global Rise in AI-Enabled Fraud
According to AFP, the alleged fraud forms part of a broader pattern commonly referred to as “fake Dubai prince” scams, in which fraudsters exploit Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s extensive online popularity.
The Emirati royal has more than 17 million Instagram followers, making his public profile an attractive target for impersonation. AFP identified multiple Facebook groups allegedly posing as the prince and encouraging conversations through WhatsApp and Telegram.
Several accounts reportedly displayed manipulated images depicting the prince proposing marriage or offering flowers while encouraging users to continue conversations on private messaging platforms.
Although some users warned that the accounts appeared fraudulent, others reportedly responded with heart and blowing-kiss emojis, illustrating how convincing AI-generated content can influence unsuspecting victims.
The growing threat has also prompted awareness campaigns. An Instagram page titled “Do not fall for fake prince” and a Change.org petition named “Stop Fazza Scam” have urged Sheikh Hamdan’s office to increase public awareness regarding impersonation scams.
The petition alleges that fraudsters frequently request payments through overseas bank accounts or cryptocurrencies, making financial transactions significantly more difficult for investigators to trace.
Authorities in Dubai did not respond to AFP’s request for comment. Separately, French authorities last year investigated fraudsters accused of impersonating Brad Pitt in a case involving an alleged loss of 830,000 euros.
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance estimates that consumers worldwide lost approximately US$442 billion to scams, including romance fraud, during the previous year, underscoring the growing financial impact of cyber-enabled deception.
Commenting on emerging technology, Cornell University researcher David Rand told AFP that real-time AI deepfake capabilities are improving rapidly and may soon make distinguishing genuine online video conversations from fabricated ones increasingly difficult.
Readers’ Appeal
If you have encountered an AI-powered romance scam, deepfake impersonation, or online investment fraud, contact Investigative Journalist Unmesh Gujarathi and the Sprouts News SIT at +91 93227 55098. Verified information and documents will be handled responsibly, confidentially, and in the public interest.
Editorial Note:
This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.
