‘100 Video Calls Per Day’: Models Are Applying to Be the Face of AI Scams

Other publications list up to 150 potential calls per day. “Filters can be used, but make sure the image is realistic. Live action videos are allowed; wigs are prohibited,” another ad reads. To benefit from this privilege, the person would allegedly be given one full day and four half days off per month. Another advert states that working hours are between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. in Cambodia and that they prefer the person to have a “Western accent.” A sample job posting states: “The company will retain your passport for visa and work permit management. » Taking people’s passports is one of the main ways scheme operators hold people captive.

Although a few men applied for AI model roles, the vast majority of applications seen by WIRED were from young women, mostly in their early 20s. Applicants are invited to send a short presentation video, a text about their experience and expectations and photographs of themselves; some must include their marital status and “vaccination” status.

“For more than three years, I have worked with Chinese companies on different types of projects, including stock markets, cryptocurrencies and love stories,” says one person in a recruitment video. Another says: “In my experience, I manage clients well, persuading them to invest using my own techniques and discussing the benefits of gold trading. »

The video applications do not contain full names or contact information, so WIRED was unable to contact people applying for positions.

Model candidates asked for salaries of up to $7,000 per month, according to Humanity Research Consultancy. They also make specific requests regarding their working conditions, many of which may not be granted to those trafficked in fraudulent operations. One woman asked that she have her own room and “be able to go out.” Another asked that he could “come home on a day off” and have a “personal washing machine.”

Even though some models are recruited for this role and may enjoy more freedoms than victims of human trafficking, says Ling Li, co-founder of the nonprofit EOS Collective that works with victims of the scam industry, they can still face harsh treatment from their bosses. “One European victim told us she saw Italian models at her resort, but she can’t say. [if] they are [there] intentionally or not because they were beaten in front of him,” she said. “And there is also sexual harassment.”

WIRED sent Telegram a list of two dozen job and recruiting channels that have advertised AI models, as well as other positions, in recent months. The company does not appear to have removed any of the channels; however, a spokesperson says its policies do not allow scam-related activities.

“Content that encourages or enables scams is explicitly prohibited by Telegram’s terms of service and is removed as soon as it is discovered,” a Telegram spokesperson said. “In cases like this, there are legitimate reasons why one might give their likeness, and so this content must be considered on a case-by-case basis.”

The vast majority of job postings and model applications on Telegram don’t specifically mention fraudulent work, but they include a host of red flags indicating a scam, Ngo says. “For what [do you] need an AI model? That’s the first question,” Ngo says. Other warning signs include locations on known scam sites in Cambodia, allegations of high salaries for the region, and frequent requirements for Chinese language skills, Ngo says.