Gareth Wyn Jones, known for his role on The Family Farm, recently faced a disturbing £2,000 deepfake “sextortion” scheme. The 58-year-old influencer shared his encounter with an AI-based blackmailing ploy, where he received a fabricated video showing him engaged in intimate activities with an unidentified woman.
The blackmailers demanded a hefty sum to prevent the video from circulating online. Despite the pressure, Gareth stood firm, rejecting the extortion demands and considering legal action against the perpetrators. Describing the ordeal as “very scary,” the BBC personality aims to raise awareness about such scams, urging others to stay vigilant and resilient.
Dubbed as “the nation’s favourite farmer,” Gareth recounted the threats made by the blackmailers, who warned him of sharing the video on various platforms if he didn’t comply with their demands. Undeterred, Gareth, a resident of north Wales with a family, confronted the trolls, emphasizing that the video was entirely falsified through AI technology.
The scam unfolded when Gareth was initially contacted online under the guise of selling goats for £5. Subsequently, the situation escalated as the profile picture of the contact changed, leading to the blackmail attempt. Gareth noted the unrealistic nature of the AI clip sent by the perpetrators, underscoring the prevalence of similar scams affecting others. To caution his followers, he issued a warning on his Facebook page about the dangers posed by such malicious actors.
By selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News, you can access your preferred news content promptly.