A woman from Sao Paolo, Brazil, almost became the victim of a Formula 1-related scam after receiving messages from a fake Lewis Hamilton Instagram account.
Metropoles report that the account - which has just 1400 followers as opposed to Hamilton's 36 million - sent messages to Valdemira Aparecida asking for money, and even using AI to impersonate the seven-time world champion's voice into a voice note, after Aparecida had first reached out to who she thought was the Mercedes star.
The owner of the fake profile had also created an agency, supposedly based in Rio de Janeiro, where she could buy a 'fan card' for $1,500, which set off alarm bells for the lady.
She then decided to call her local newspaper (Metropoles) and it was confirmed that the account had indeed used AI and was not the real Hamilton.
Hamilton has recently secured his own mega-money deal to join Ferrari from the start of 2025, making his apparent need for $1500 even more unrealistic.
While the seven-time champion still harbours hopes of winning his eighth drivers' title with Mercedes, he will be given at least two more years with Ferrari following the end of the upcoming season to try and cement his legacy.
The 39-year-old will follow in the footsteps of the only other seven-time champion in the sport, Michael Schumacher, in attempting to claim victory for the most successful team on the F1 grid after a barren period for the Maranello-based outfit.
Thankfully, the would-be victim was not duped into parting with any money, thanks to the swift intervention from Metropoles.
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