What a world we’re living in! Seriously, what a world! A viral video doing the rounds on social media has left netizens stunned; it claims that a contractor used AI tools, including ChatGPT, to trick authorities into approving payment for a road that was never built.

This alleged scam has gone viral on Instagram and sparked fierce debates around professionalism, ethics, and privacy. It’s a clear example of how technology can be misused and a reminder of the need for accountability among public officials.

In the viral clip, the contractor is seen photographing a dusty, unpaved stretch of road. Instead of starting construction and improving the site, he reportedly uploaded the image into an AI-powered tool, allegedly following instructions from ChatGPT—to digitally transform the barren path into what looked like a well-paved, cemented road.

The edited image featured convincing details such as proper lane markings, smooth paving, and roadside gutters.

What shocked viewers even more was what happened next.According to the video, the contractor sent the AI-generated image via WhatsApp to a supervising government engineer. The video captures the engineer’s apparent reaction, praising the fake road and instructing the contractor to send the bill, all without ordering a physical inspection of the site.

This isn’t creativity; it’s misuse. Most people on social media have voiced serious concerns about the video. Many pointed out that such abuse of AI could further fuel corruption, making it easier for fraudsters to siphon off public funds. Others demanded an immediate investigation by the concerned authorities.Several experts warn that whether the incident is real or staged, it highlights a growing concern: as AI tools become more advanced and accessible, the potential for digital fraud is skyrocketing.

As of now, no official statement has been released to confirm the authenticity of the video. Still, the clip has certainly raised a red flag, showing how easily digital deception can creep into already vulnerable systems.