Fake baby scammers 'using AI to fool loved ones' - as experts warn trend will rise

A 23-year-old woman from Airdrie, Scotland, has confessed to faking a pregnancy and giving birth to a plastic doll, using artificial intelligence to create convincing baby scans and videos to deceive her loved ones. Kira Cousins, 23, managed to fool her family and partner, Jamie Gardner, over several months by sharing false images and hosting a baby shower, all while hiding the truth that she had suffered a miscarriage. Faking a pregnancy is uncommon but not unheard of, with deceptive products such as fake positive pregnancy tests and customised ultrasound scans previously available online. However, recent advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier to fabricate hyper-realistic visuals, allowing individuals to deceive others more convincingly. Kira used AI-generated footage to show the supposed baby kicking inside her womb, further reinforcing the illusion. Kira’s deception began after she announced her pregnancy to her close circle. She posted regular updates about hospital visits and tests that supposedly revealed a heart defect in the unborn child. The emotional weight of the situation was compounded by personal turmoil, she had recently ended a relationship with Jamie, who initially did not want the child. This created a complex dynamic that allowed the lie to persist. She eventually announced the birth of a baby girl named Bonnie-Leigh Joyce, weighing 5 pounds 4 ounces. To maintain the charade, Kira kept the family away from the doll and even convinced Jamie that he was the father. The deception unraveled during a trip when she gave a ride to Jamie’s relatives, and the doll was left in the back of the car. Upon returning, the children pointed out the doll, exposing the fraud. Kira responded by blaming her victims, calling them “stupid” for failing to recognize the doll. She argued that only she and Jamie had access to it, implying that Jamie should have known the truth. Jamie, however, expressed his desire to distance himself from her, indicating the emotional fallout of the deception. This case follows another instance of similar deceit involving Libby Vernon, a 23-year-old from Staffordshire. Over 13 months, Vernon fabricated a fake life, including a job, home, and relationship, to manipulate a man she met online. She later convinced him she was pregnant, sending fake baby photos with the message: “Someone to meet you.” After claiming to give birth to a daughter named Athena, she refused to allow him to see the child and even sent him a fake death certificate following the alleged stillbirth. Vernon then spun a new lie, claiming she was pregnant again with twins. Her deception collapsed when she informed the man she was experiencing pain and bleeding. Convinced she needed medical attention, he insisted she visit the hospital. During the visit, he requested a scan, prompting authorities to discover she was wearing a fake baby bump. Prosecutor Pamela Fee confirmed that everything Vernon had told him was a lie, noting there were no actual babies involved. These cases highlight a growing trend of individuals using advanced technology to fabricate identities and relationships, often with devastating consequences for those deceived. As AI continues to evolve, experts warn that such deceptions could become more common, underscoring the need for greater awareness and caution in personal and digital interactions.