An administrative assistant in Singapore, identified as Luke, has been targeted by a former schoolmate who allegedly used artificial intelligence to fabricate a years-long relationship, including doctored images of a non-existent marriage and child. According to Luke’s sister, the perpetrator—a woman Luke had minimal contact with 15 years ago—also used his likeness to impersonate him online to others since 2017.
How the AI-driven impersonation was discovered
The deception surfaced in December 2025 when Luke’s sister was alerted to the images by a mutual friend. The friend recognized that the photos of Luke with a woman and a baby were fabricated, as Luke is single and has no children. According to Luke, his sister attempted to contact the woman to request the removal of the images, which included photos of her own young children, but received no response.
The images appeared to be created using artificial intelligence. In one instance, an original photo of Luke wearing a black shirt was altered to show him in a blue long-sleeved shirt holding a child, with the background chair pattern distorted by AI software. Luke has since reported the incident to the police and, alongside his sister, has set his social media accounts to private to prevent further unauthorized use of his family’s personal content.
The perpetrator reportedly responded to a social media post by Luke’s sister on June 7, claiming she fabricated the digital narrative “out of love” for Luke, stating that living in this “fairytale world” brought her happiness.
What legal and psychological experts advise
Legal experts suggest that victims of such digital impersonation may seek recourse through the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). Kevin Liew, head of the crime practice at Gloria James-Civetta and Co, states that POHA procedures can address the unauthorized use of AI-generated photos and impersonation. It is not always necessary to prove an explicit intent to harass, as the conduct itself—such as the creation of a fake pregnancy and the use of family photos—is sufficient if it is likely to cause alarm or distress.
Clinical psychologist Carol Balhetchet notes that the perpetrator displays signs of delusional thinking and a desire to force a connection with the victim. She warns that such behavior can persist until the individual attempts physical contact. Balhetchet emphasizes that the perpetrator requires professional psychological intervention to address these underlying delusions.
The transition from simple impersonation to the use of AI to generate complex, multi-year narratives marks a significant shift in digital harassment. While traditional stalking often relies on surveillance, this case demonstrates how easily bad actors can manufacture a false public identity, forcing victims to not only defend their privacy but also their personal history.
What might happen next
Following the deactivation of the woman’s Instagram account on June 15, further developments in the case will likely depend on the legal actions pursued by Luke. If a POHA application is filed and served, both parties would be required to appear in court. The court may initially direct the parties to attend mediation to resolve the matter. Should mediation fail to produce an agreement, the case would proceed to a trial to determine if a protection order is warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long had the woman been impersonating Luke?
According to reports from individuals who contacted Luke’s sister, the woman had been using his photos to befriend people online since 2017.
Did the woman respond to requests to stop?
Initially, she did not respond to the sister’s direct requests. However, she later commented on a social media post regarding the situation, claiming she acted out of love and enjoyed the attention the narrative provided.
Why is the victim seeking legal advice?
Luke is seeking legal counsel because the harassment included the unauthorized use of his images, the impersonation of his identity, and the inclusion of his sister’s children in fake content, which has caused him significant trauma and disruption to his work and sleep.
How do you protect your digital footprint in an age where your own photos can be weaponized against you?
