AI-generated influencer accounts are being used to sell mass-produced, dropshipped products on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, with authentic‑looking but fake Black female personas like Aliyah and Amaya promoting belt buckles and other items at discounted prices.

Experts describe this as digital Blackface, a modern form of exploitation where non-Black actors mimic Black identities to extract economic value from Black bodies and cultures, raising ethical and racial authenticity concerns.

Dozens of AI-generated accounts mimic authentic creators, featuring consistent backgrounds and scripted scenarios, with some videos labeled as AI-generated; these avatars often auto‑reply to comments and strive to imitate African American vernacular.

The scam relies on empathy and solidarity signals, prompting viewers to support perceived small Black-owned businesses, even though the products are mass-produced and the content is largely AI-driven.

Analytics show these AI personas achieve high engagement, with Aliyahsbuckles amassing tens of thousands of followers and hundreds of thousands of likes and views, illustrating how algorithmic promotion amplifies such content.