In Manila, a woman shared a startling experience: a friend she’d lent money to sent her screenshots of five supposedly completed bank transfers—which, in reality, never happened. Using a simple ChatGPT prompt, the debtor had generated fake images of successful ₱25,000 deposits. It’s a clear sign that tools once reserved for tech experts are now in anyone’s hands—and not always for good.
How It Unfolded
While traveling abroad and battling spotty reception, the lender briefly glanced at the transaction images and believed she’d been repaid. Only later, when she checked her actual bank balance, did she discover there was no record of any incoming funds. One dropped transfer might be chalked up to a system error, but five? That pattern finally set off alarm bells.
The AI Behind the Screens
A quick inquiry revealed how the debt-dodger did it: “Create a picture of a bank deposit slip for ₱25,000,” she told ChatGPT. In moments, the AI produced a realistic mock-up—complete with date, time and her account details. She repeated the same prompt for each classmate she owed, turning trust into a weapon with nothing more than a few keystrokes.
Spotting a Fake Transfer
This episode underscores just how easy it’s become to fabricate “proof” online. Real bank errors are rare to see back-to-back, so if someone sends multiple rejected transactions in quick succession, treat it as a red flag. Always double-check by logging into your official bank app or calling customer service before assuming the money has arrived.
The Online Reaction
Her Facebook post struck a chord—over 37,000 people reacted and 50,000 commented, many recounting their own run-ins with AI-aided scams. The prevailing advice? Never rely solely on screenshots; always verify directly with your bank or ask for a transaction reference number you can look up yourself.
Moving Forward: Balancing Speed and Security
Advanced AI can speed up creative projects and routine tasks, but this case is a reminder that every powerful tool can be misused. As we become more comfortable with instant, on-screen proofs, it’s crucial to keep tried-and-true safeguards in place. A quick balance check or a brief call to your bank can save you from a costly lesson—and help ensure technology serves us, rather than the other way around.