Man accused of catfishing victim into getting engaged by…

A Georgia man spent months in an online relationship with a non-existent sheriff’s deputy, ultimately being defrauded of money and property by a suspect using sophisticated digital impersonation. The case highlights the growing threat of AI-driven social engineering in personal relationships.

What happened

Investigators allege that 25-year-old Caleb Mills of South Carolina created a fake persona known as "Hailey Morello" to defraud victims. Mills utilized a combination of stolen photographs belonging to a real Florida sheriff’s deputy, multiple phone numbers, artificial intelligence, and voice-changing technology to maintain the ruse.

One victim became so convinced of the relationship that he believed he was engaged to "Hailey." Over the course of their interaction, the victim gave Mills an undisclosed amount of money and allowed him to use his vehicle. The scheme began to unravel when the victim’s relatives grew suspicious and contacted the persona. In an attempt to protect the fraudulent identity, Mills filed a formal harassment complaint with the police while posing as "Hailey."

Detectives investigating the harassment complaint uncovered the deception. Mills was subsequently arrested on multiple charges, including identity fraud, impersonating a public officer, giving a false name to law enforcement, and making false statements. Officials noted that Mills has remained active in fraudulent behavior even after his release on bond, and further charges are pending. Authorities have encouraged anyone who believes they may be a victim of this investigation to contact the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.