Chatham County police arrest man for using AI to scam store

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County police officers arrested a man accused of using AI to pose as a delivery driver in a scam to steal merchandise from a retailer - a case police say is the first of its kind in the department’s history.

Police charged Dieon Cornelius Love, 20, with criminal attempt to commit a misdemeanor, accusing him of posing as a delivery driver to pick up an order from a retailer.

Investigators believe Love used AI to create fake accounts, making fraudulent orders appear legitimate. Managers at the retail store noticed the fraud and contacted police before handing over the merchandise.

“Technology is moving at breakneck speed, and AI adds a new and unchartered element to criminal activity,” Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said. “In this case, the retailer picked up red flags and alerted law enforcement. This is a good reminder to all of us to question anything that seems off or doesn’t feel right – especially when it deals with money, valuables, or personal information.”

The arrest is the first time CCPD has linked AI use to a criminal case in its jurisdiction.