[https://friendica.world/photos/fediversechick/image/497847561167c62d697308f640584916 ](Friendica Picture)
Comparing the two images, you can see the big PF sign in the background + the red circular roof, same ceiling and general layout. This is the same building as is shown in the Friendica pictures.
This looks like some form a harassment campaign, and it's definitely not AI. My two cents is that the pictures on friendica are screenshots from a video call, a call which given Nicole appears to work in retail, is probably not being taken on the next gen camera, and may have been on data - hence the low quality.
That all said, it's good evidence that this woman is a real person, and that the name age etc are likely fairly accurate?
I don't have explanations for the PC video call images like at all. Although one thought I did have, is that this is a pig butchering victim, and they are now using her likeness to target others? Or as blackmail?
I found the attached image after a quick search.
Shit, I will take down the image.
I was trying to minimize her footprint whilst also allowing people to see that this is more complex than a AI generated scam, hence not further disclosing her work address, and only linking to the friendica page that you can see in all the other images on this community.
It didn't occur to me that the image would be a problem. I feel really dumb for doing that now.
Thank you for being responsive.
Don’t beat yourself up for it, you’re trying to help uncover a bizarre phenomenon. Given how little we know it’s scary to think who could be behind this and why. You’re good.
I've overwritten the image in white, Lemmy has awful ability to purge images.
on the lemmy web ui you can fully delete it under "Profile->Uploads"
Thank you.