A foundation representing Princess Leonor, the 20-year-old heir to the Spanish throne, has warned that scammers are using AI-generated videos of the princess on fake social media profiles to trick users out of money.
On platforms like TikTok, these fake profiles feature a “Leonor” who promises payouts of thousands of dollars in exchange for an upfront “fee” of a few hundred. After the initial payment is made, the fraudsters typically demand more money before disappearing.
An investigation by the newspaper El País in 2024 found that all the phone numbers linked to the scam were based in the Dominican Republic. The report also stated that some of these videos had been viewed over a million times.
In a fraud alert, the website of the Princess of Asturias Foundation, which represents Leonor, stated: “The foundation does not run any programs offering financial aid, project subsidies, lotteries, or any other monetary operations for private individuals. Similarly, the Princess of Asturias does not provide financial assistance through the foundation. Any message or profile suggesting otherwise is false.”
TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit accounts that “cheat or try to manipulate our platform,” including behavior involving “undercover operations to influence or supplant identity.”
However, El País reported that whenever it alerted TikTok to these identity theft cases, which were first detected in December 2024, it received a standard response: “We have determined that the reported content does not violate our guidelines.”
Leonor is the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. After Felipe ascended to the throne following his father’s abdication in 2014, Leonor assumed the full title of the heir, which includes Princess of Asturias, Princess of Girona, Princess of Viana, Duchess of Montblanc, Countess of Cervera, and Lady of Balaguer.
If she becomes queen, Leonor would be Spain’s first female monarch since Isabella II, who reigned from 1833 until her deposition in 1868. Isabella II remains the only queen to have ruled a unified Spain in her own right, rather than through marriage.
Leonor completed an International Baccalaureate in Glamorgan, Wales, and is set to finish her three-year military training this year in preparation for her future role as commander-in-chief.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs AIGenerated Princess Leonor Videos TikTok Scam
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What is this scam about
Scammers are using fake AIgenerated videos of Spains Princess Leonor to trick people on TikTok These videos often promote a giveaway or investment opportunity claiming you can get free money or cryptocurrency if you click a link or send a small fee
2 How do I know if a video is fake
Look for warning signs the video may look slightly off the audio might not match perfectly and the offer will seem too good to be true The account posting it is likely new or has little genuine content
3 Why would someone use Princess Leonors image
She is a popular trusted public figure Using her likeness makes the scam seem more legitimate and trustworthy to viewers especially younger fans who follow the royal family
4 What happens if I click the link or follow the instructions
You might be directed to a fake website that steals your personal information or prompts you to send money which you will never get back You could also download malware onto your device
5 What should I do if I see one of these videos
Do not interact with it Do not click any links share it or send money Report the video directly to TikTok using the reporting feature for Frauds and Scams or Impersonation
Advanced Practical Questions
6 How are these fake videos created so convincingly
Scammers use a type of artificial intelligence called deepfake technology This AI can superimpose a persons face onto another persons body and synthesize their voice creating a realisticlooking but entirely fabricated video
7 Is this just a problem on TikTok
While this specific scam is trending on TikTok AIgenerated impersonation scams are a growing problem across all social media platforms and via email phishing
8 What is the end goal of these scammers
Primarily financial theft They aim to steal your money directly harvest your financial information for fraud or gain access to your social media accounts to scam your friends and followers
