Chez ‘ – Is a retiree chased by the Banque de France because of a liquid withdrawal of 12,000 euros?

• A message on network X claims that a retiree is in the viewfinder of the Banque de France and under a survey for “laundering”.
• He would be accused of having withdrawn 12,000 euros in cash at the bank.
• It is a fake news, originally published by a site that writes via AI hundreds of articles on fictitious news.

Consulted to date nearly 300,000 times on X, a message shares the misadventures of an alleged Georges Laval, a “retirement” 67 years old. It is explained that the state “Send the Banque de France” to continue it, while it is targeted by a “Survey for money laundering”. His wrong? To have withdrawn 12,000 euros in cash from the bank, in order to buy a vehicle and “to avoid costs” linked to a loan.

Viral publication denounces (new window) An apparent injustice: “In France, you work all your life, you save carefully”more “Your money no longer belongs to you. You are no longer a citizen, you are a suspect”can we read. Problem: this story is invented from scratch.

1,500 articles generated by AI published in just 3 days

Often pinned for the broadcasting of Fake News, the X account which relays this story added to its message the capture of a website which, the first, spoke of the delicate situation of the retiree. We can read on the image that the article is signed “Place Ronde”, of the name of the platform on which it is found online. He was published there on July 14.

By accessing the page where this story is hosted, it is quickly seen that it falls into the water. And for good reason, we find the following mention twice: “Our site is based on fully fictitious facts generated by artificial intelligence. No content should be interpreted as real or truthful.” The same goes for all the “articles” of the site, the first of which date back to July 13. In the space of 48 hours, we note that it is no less than 1,500 content that has been written. A volume totally impossible to make for writing made up of human beings.

There is no doubt here: this article, based on completely fictitious facts, was carried out by an AI. The objective? Multiplying content, in the hope of enjoying good referencing on search engines and the supply of traffic that accompanies it. What generate money since we find here and there advertising banners, sources of income for individuals behind the site.

It should also be noted that this “Round Place” platform has, at first glance, nothing in common with traditional online media. The home page offers a simulator to make sure you choose “perfectly adjusted clothing”. It is by clicking on a “news” tab without the slightest link with the rest of the content that we arrive on the pages bringing together false articles.

Do you want to ask us questions or submit information that does not seem reliable to you? Do not hesitate to write to us at lesverifiers@tf1.fr. Also find us on X: our team is present behind the @verif_tf1lci account.