'Really thought it was Jelly Roll': Ohio man says he was scammed by AI video of singer
Share this @internewscast.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) — A Springfield resident reports losing money in a scam that leveraged AI technology, making him believe he was receiving prizes from country music sensation, Jelly Roll.

As artificial intelligence continues to progress, some individuals exploit the technology to mimic celebrities, sometimes coaxing people into parting with their money. Ronnie Flint became a victim of such a scam and is now sharing his story to alert others.

Flint spoke to Nexstar’s WDTN, saying he is shocked to see technology come so far and be used in a way to harm others.

“I genuinely thought it was Jelly Roll,” Flint recounted. He mentioned receiving a Facebook message, supposedly from a celebrity he admires. The message claimed he had won $50,000 and a new car.

The real Jelly Roll is seen on the left below, while the AI version of Jelly Roll can be seen on the right, wearing a backward hat.

The account then sent Flint a video featuring a man who resembled singer-songwriter Jelly Roll, requesting him to pay for shipping to claim his prizes. Flint remained skeptical, even after receiving what was purportedly Jelly Roll’s driver’s license from the page.

Numerous errors were evident on that driver’s license, as seen below. For instance, the artist is known as Jelly Roll, not “Jolly roll.” His stage name wouldn’t legally appear on a driver’s license—his birth name, Jason DeFord, would. Additionally, it appeared to be a Permanent Resident Card, which Jelly Roll, being a native U.S. citizen, would not need. Furthermore, “Nashville” is unlikely to be listed as a place of birth per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which would instead list the country of birth.

But then Flint received a second video, which he said surprised him.

“When they sent the second video where he actually said my full name, that convinced me,” Flint admitted. “I was like, wow, it must really be Jelly Roll. He mentioned my name.”

The account then asked him to send money through Apple gift cards. Flint sent them a total of $70, even though he’s on a fixed income.

“I even told him that I’m on disability. You know, this is all the money that I have for the rest of the month,” said Flint.

A family member warned Flint that this seemed like a scam, and he promptly stopped and filed a police report, but the messages for more money keep coming.

“They’re thinking I’m going to send them another $30 on the 3rd, which ain’t going to happen,” said Flint, who added that he wants to share his story in order to make sure no one has to go through what he did.

Multiple organizations, as well as police departments, say that if it’s too good to be true, it often is too good to be true. You should also always be wary if people ask you to pay with gift cards.

The  Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned against sending money to celebrities who contact them online.

“Imposter scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way: a scammer pretends to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money. And that’s exactly what these celebrity imposters are trying to do,” the FTC said.

Earlier this year, an Illinois woman lost $62,000 to an account impersonating the actor Kevin Costner.

Nexstar’s Addy Bink contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

City Initiates Pothole Patrol; Holds Contest for Name Ideas

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — In June, the City Council approved the purchase…

White House Plans Next Moves to Resolve Ukraine Conflict

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House is strategizing on how to bring…

Neighbor Claims Missing Baby’s ‘Kidnapping’ Seemed Suspicious Right from the Start

() A seven-month-old baby has been missing for six days and residents…

Trump Advocates for Zelenskyy-Putin Summit in the Near Future

() President Donald Trump is moving to broker a face-to-face meeting between…

Uncommon ‘Black Moon’ Appearing This Week: Everything You Need to Know About This Rare Event

(NEXSTAR) – Just a few weeks after twin meteor showers passed overhead,…

Texas Capitol Grounds Shut Down Due to Threat Before Planned Protest

AUSTIN (KXAN) Demonstrators were cleared from the Texas state Capitol grounds in…

Massive Waves from Hurricane Erin Could Isolate North Carolina’s Outer Banks

There’s a well-known T-shirt on Hatteras Island in the North Carolina Outer…

White House Rose Garden Unveiled Following Mar-a-Lago Renovation

() The Rose Garden at the White House is all primed and…

Prominent pediatric association distances itself from RFK Jr., advises COVID vaccinations for children

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on Tuesday recommended that parents vaccinate…

Numerous Meetings Held on Russia’s Ukraine Conflict, Yet Peace Faces Significant Hurdles

The recent Oval Office meeting, marking the second such gathering in six…

Wyoming and South Dakota Newspapers Saved from Shutting Down by New Buyers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In an encouraging turn of events, a dozen…

Augusta Commissioners Dip Into Reserves to Cover Budget Deficit Instead of Increasing Taxes

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Augusta’s city officials decided not to impose another…