"The service integrates easily with messaging platforms like WhatsApp and WeChat and claims that users can tweak up to 50 settings-including the ability to adjust things like cheekbone size and eye position-to help mimic the face they are impersonating. But while Haotian is a robust and versatile platform, researchers and WIRED's own analysis have found that the service has been marketing to so-called "pig butchering" scammers and those running online fraud operations in Southeast Asia."
"Scammers have used Haotian and other deepfake tools to more easily substantiate their deceptions by allowing victims to "videochat" with the character they believe they have been talking to as part of an investment opportunity, friendship, or even romantic relationship. Analysis by the cryptocurrency tracing firm Elliptic of four cryptocurrency wallets linked to Haotian shows the company has received at least $3.9 million in payments in recent years, including money from cryptocurrency wallets linked to alleged criminal activity, including fraud. Additionally, almost half of its payments had ties to a scam marketplace sanctioned by the US government, Elliptic says."
Haotian is a Chinese-language AI app that creates highly realistic live face swaps and integrates with messaging platforms including Telegram, WhatsApp, and WeChat. The service allows users to adjust about 50 facial settings, such as cheekbone size and eye position, to better mimic target faces. Haotian has sold access and services on Telegram, generating millions of dollars. Scammers have used Haotian to stage convincing video chats that corroborate investment, friendship, or romantic frauds. Cryptocurrency tracing links at least $3.9 million in payments to Haotian, with many transactions tied to wallets associated with alleged criminal activity and a sanctioned scam marketplace. The app's main distribution channel disappeared after an inquiry into scammers using the service.
Read at WIRED
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