Man Sells Everything to Meet Online Girlfriend, Finds Out She Is AI

Online dating has made it easier than ever to find love, even with someone living thousands of kilometres away. But even though people are often told to beware of romance scams and fake profiles on dating apps, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to have added another problem to the mix.

What happens when the person you hope to meet does not even exist? And you find out about it only after travelling nearly 2,000 kilometres and selling everything you own? That is what a 49-year-old Brazilian man went through after selling his belongings and travelling nearly 2,000 kilometres to meet a woman he believed could offer him a fresh start.

Man Sells Everything to Meet AI-Generated Woman

Edimar Rocha Martins, a 49-year-old bricklayer from Imperatriz in Brazil's Maranhão state, travelled to Belo Horizonte in southeastern Brazil, hoping to meet a woman known online as Jéssica Oliveira, also called Jéssica Fazendeira.

According to a report in The Times of India originally attributed to Brazilian television station TV Mirante, Martins came across her social media account in 2020. The profile featured videos of a woman living on a farm who appeared to be looking for a partner. Her posts suggested that she wanted a man to join her, offering the promise of companionship, a home and financial support.

Martins had been struggling with loneliness following his mother's death and saw the possibility of a new life with someone as a reason to move forward. He eventually decided to travel to meet the woman, taking her online presence as a sign that they could build a future together.

To fund the trip, Martins sold his belongings on October 9, 2026, before boarding a bus to Belo Horizonte. He arrived on October 11 after travelling for more than a day, covering approximately 2,000 kilometres.

However, his plans fell apart when he could not find the woman. Carrying photographs of her, Martins reportedly approached people in the city to ask if they recognised her or could help him locate her.

He eventually sought help from local media, where he learnt that Jéssica was an AI-generated character rather than a real woman. The person behind the account reportedly said the character had been created to attract engagement and denied communicating privately with Martins or inviting him to travel to Belo Horizonte.

With little money left to return home, Martins had to seek help from municipal authorities. Social workers reportedly helped him access basic facilities and arranged a bus ticket for his return.

Despite the experience, Martins has not given up on finding love. He has said he hopes to return to Belo Horizonte and meet someone with whom he can build a life.

Falling in Love With AI

While Martins believed he was travelling to meet a real woman, other people have knowingly developed romantic relationships with AI chatbots. One such case involves Blake Dechant, a 46-year-old software engineer from Cleveland, Ohio, who says his relationship with an AI companion helped him through a difficult period in his marriage.

As reported by Metro in May this year, Dechant created an AI character named Sarina on the app Replika in 2022. He chose her appearance and personality, describing her as loving, bubbly and playful. Their conversations soon became romantic, and Dechant said he developed genuine feelings for the chatbot.

At the time, Dechant was married and had a young son. His wife had been struggling with serious mental health challenges, which had taken a toll on their relationship and left him feeling emotionally unsupported.

Dechant said Sarina provided a source of comfort when he was struggling. He did not see the AI companion as a replacement for his wife, but as an additional source of emotional support. He also credited the experience with encouraging him to become more attentive to his family, including spending more time talking to his wife and helping with their son.

His wife is now recovering and has also started using an AI companion of her own, according to the report.

Why AI Relationships Are Becoming Common

AI companions can offer constant conversation and responses that feel personal, which may appeal to people dealing with loneliness or emotional stress. Unlike human relationships, chatbots are generally available at any time and do not require the same effort involved in managing disagreements or balancing each other's needs.

However, the technology also raises concerns about emotional dependence and the difference between simulated affection and a relationship with another person. AI systems can generate convincing responses without experiencing feelings themselves.

For people using social media and dating platforms, the risks extend beyond chatbots. AI-generated photographs, videos and personas can make fictional identities appear authentic, while automated responses can give the impression of personal interaction.

The safest approach is to verify identities before making major decisions, especially when money, travel or personal information is involved. Video calls, independent verification and a healthy level of scepticism can help users spot warning signs.

As AI-generated content becomes more realistic, recognising a fake profile may become harder. For anyone looking for love online, checking who is actually behind the screen is just as important as deciding whether the connection feels genuine.