Brief
Brazilian bricklayer discovers online girlfriend was AI-generated after 1,200‑mile trip
Edimar Martins traveled from Imperatriz to Belo Horizonte, spent his savings, and was told the profile he chased never existed.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Edimar Martins, a 49‑year‑old bricklayer from Imperatriz, Maranhão, sold all his possessions and took a bus to Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, after meeting a woman online who claimed to be Jéssica Oliveria. He arrived on Oct. 11, only to learn the profile was an artificial‑intelligence creation.
What happened
Martins first saw the social‑media account under the name Jéssica Oliveria in 2020. On Oct. 9 he liquidated his belongings to fund a bus journey of more than 1,200 miles to the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte. Upon arrival on Oct. 11 he could not locate the woman. He visited a local radio station, which told him the profile was “fake news.” With no money left, Martins went to Belo Horizonte City Hall, where a social worker helped him arrange a return trip home.
What the reports add
The New York Post article notes that the TikTok account @JessicaFazendeira, which had 300,000 followers, posted a video in which the AI‑generated persona said she was looking for a man to move onto her farm and support her financially. The video has since been deleted. The article also includes a screenshot of an undated photo of the AI‑generated woman, labeled Jéssica Oliveira or Jessica Fazendeira.
What was said
Martins told TV Mirante, “I sold all my things, I got rid of everything… That’s how you get discouraged, who wouldn’t get discouraged?” He added, “It only brings sadness, discouragement, depression. Many people wanted to find a relationship, so I came.” The AI persona, in the deleted TikTok video, said, “I really want to support you, I want you to come to my farm and never work again in your life.” The account later posted, “I am made of artificial intelligence… I have never spoken to anyone with this profile. The intention was to gain engagement for sale.”
How it came about
Martins’ story follows a growing trend of AI‑generated social‑media personas designed to attract engagement and monetize through platforms like TikTok Shop. The deception was uncovered only after Martins traveled a great distance, highlighting the risks of online romance scams that leverage sophisticated AI technology.
Key facts
- Edimar Martins sold all his belongings to fund a 1,200‑mile bus trip to meet an online woman. (nypost.com)
- He arrived in Belo Horizonte on Oct. 11 and was told the profile did not exist. (nypost.com)
- The TikTok account @JessicaFazendeira, with 300,000 followers, was later confirmed to be AI‑generated. (nypost.com)
- Martins received assistance from a city‑hall social worker to return home. (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Bricklayer, 49, travels 1,200 miles for dream girl — only to discover she’s AI-generated”
