F1 fan duped by Lewis Hamilton AI scammer on social media

Lewis Hamilton looks glum as a background of banknotes surrounds him — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 fan duped by Hamilton AI scammer on social media

This was a lucky escape for the F1 fan

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Saturday 10 February 2024 21:57

A woman from Sao Paolo, Brazil, almost became the victim of a Formula 1-related scam after receiving messages from a fake Lewis Hamilton Instagram account.

Metropoles report that the account - which has just 1400 followers as opposed to Hamilton's 36 million - sent messages to Valdemira Aparecida asking for money, and even using AI to impersonate the seven-time world champion's voice into a voice note, after Aparecida had first reached out to who she thought was the Mercedes star.

The owner of the fake profile had also created an agency, supposedly based in Rio de Janeiro, where she could buy a 'fan card' for $1,500, which set off alarm bells for the lady.

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She then decided to call her local newspaper (Metropoles) and it was confirmed that the account had indeed used AI and was not the real Hamilton.

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While the seven-time champion still harbours hopes of winning his eighth drivers' title with Mercedes, he will be given at least two more years with Ferrari following the end of the upcoming season to try and cement his legacy.

The 39-year-old will follow in the footsteps of the only other seven-time champion in the sport, Michael Schumacher, in attempting to claim victory for the most successful team on the F1 grid after a barren period for the Maranello-based outfit.

Thankfully, the would-be victim was not duped into parting with any money, thanks to the swift intervention from Metropoles.

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