SA news site shares warning after targeted by AI crowdfunding scam
"The story was heartfelt, really pulled on one’s heartstrings, and I was wholeheartedly invested," writes Tyler Leigh Vivier for Good Things Guy.
Unfortunately, scams have become a significant issue worldwide, and perpetrators are becoming increasingly cunning and convincing.
From fake AI videos to old-school phishing scams, criminals try to swindle victims in many ways.
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In 2025 alone, there have been warnings about a WhatsApp scam using deepfake technology and the City of Tshwane had to release a statement concerning a fake job advertisement circulating online.
It shouldn't surprise us how far scammers and criminals are willing to go to get what they want, but it is shocking every time.
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Especially when a news site like Good Things Guy has to warn people about a scam that has targeted them.
Good Things Guy is a news site with one simple mission: "To change what the world pays attention to. We hunt down and report on the best Good News stories from South Africa, and the World. Our mission is to change the national conversation and give South Africans a balance to the news in South Africa."
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It's especially heartbreaking when you discover that people want to take advantage of a group that has done so much good.
As the festive season approaches, more scams are emerging through platforms once seen as safe spaces for community-driven kindness — crowdfunding websites.
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An article from Good Things Guy, written by contributor Tyler Leigh Vivier, reveals that scammers are exploiting the emotional nature of these platforms, crafting elaborate stories supported by synthetic images designed to tug at the heartstrings of potential donors.
According to Vivier, the publication received a heartfelt request from someone hoping to raise funds for a homeless man in need.
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The story was touching, and the person behind it appeared sincere; however, when the team reviewed the images submitted for the campaign, something seemed off.
Initially, the pictures appeared to show a genuine situation, but closer inspection revealed inconsistencies.
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While it is common for images from some parts of South Africa to be of lower quality due to limited access to high-resolution mobile cameras, the issue went beyond that.
Upon downloading the files, the publication discovered that the images contained metadata linked to “Grok,” an AI tool freely available online.
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This discovery indicated that the photos were not authentic but had instead been generated using artificial intelligence, a tactic designed to make a fake campaign seem legitimate.
How to avoid falling victim to these scams
Artificial intelligence itself can be used to identify when other AI has been employed.
When asked what signs it looks for, AI systems typically flag indicators such as:
- Blurred or melted-looking objects.
- Unnaturally glossy or misaligned eyes.
- Hands with an odd number of fingers or warped shapes.
- Repetitive or inconsistent patterns in hair, fabric or background details.
- Fabric folds that appear incorrect or unrealistic.
Using these visual cues, the publication was able to confirm its suspicions.
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The editorial team then alerted the crowdfunding platform hosting the campaign to investigate the potential scam.
While this particular case did not result in donors losing money, it highlights a growing concern.
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Fortunately, most established crowdfunding platforms have verification procedures designed to detect suspicious campaigns before funds are released.
If a campaign fails its verification checks, it is stopped before any donations reach the organiser.
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This provides a degree of protection for donors, but the incident serves as a warning that scammers are finding increasingly sophisticated ways to exploit the goodwill of others.
Scott Credit Union has shared advice on how to recognise a crowdfunding scam, fraud warning signs and how to protect yourself:
- Lack of transparency - Legitimate campaigns provide precise details about goals, timelines, and who’s behind the project.
- Unrealistic claims - Be cautious of campaigns that promise unbelievable outcomes for small donations.
- Urgent pressure tactics - Scammers often push a “donate now” message to stop you from thinking critically.
- Weak online presence - If the organiser has no website, social media presence, or a verifiable background, proceed with caution.
- Sketchy payment methods - Be wary of requests for direct payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable channels.
- Research the organiser - Look for full names, contact info, and physical addresses. Lack of verifiable details is a red flag.
- Check the campaign platform - Stick to trusted crowdfunding websites that screen for fraudulent activity.
- Read reviews and discussions - Search for campaign feedback on forums, social media, or watchdog sites.
- Understand the project goal - If the purpose isn’t clear or feels overly ambitious, it might not be legitimate.
- Look for open communication - Scammers often avoid answering questions or give vague responses.
Good Things Guy also stressed that it encourages anyone seeking help to use recognised crowdfunding partners that prioritise transparency and donor safety. Trusted platforms ensure that every transaction is traceable and that funds reach legitimate recipients.
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The publication also reiterated its policy of never sharing private banking details from individuals requesting donations, as such transfers cannot be independently verified.
By keeping crowdfunding public, accountability and oversight are maintained, offering reassurance to donors.
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While artificial intelligence has practical uses, such as helping campaigners write compelling descriptions or narrate videos, using it to deceive is unethical and harmful.
Scams like these not only damage trust but also make it harder for genuine people in need to raise funds.
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Even if a campaign genuinely seeks to help, disclosing that AI-generated images are being used for privacy reasons is crucial.
Once again, the questionable and concerning ethics surrounding AI are up for debate.
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