Love in the Age of AI: How Scammers Use Artificial Intelligence to Break Hearts

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And if you’re looking for love online, unfortunately, so are scammers preying on people just like you. While online dating scams are not new, rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technology has enabled scammers to launch more sophisticated schemes that are challenging to detect.

AI-powered deepfake technology has revolutionized the way scammers operate in the online dating world, making it more difficult for individuals to spot fake profiles. Scammers use AI tools to craft dating profiles, including images, videos, and interactions with AI chatbots designed to build rapport and manipulate their targets into sending money or gifts.

LEARN: What Is Narrative Intelligence?

How AI Dating Scams Work

AI tools assist scammers in creating compelling online dating profiles. These profiles often feature deepfake-generated images and videos made with face-swapping technology, using pictures stolen from real individuals or created entirely by AI. Scammers also employ AI chatbots to engage in conversations, slowly building a connection with the target to manipulate them into financial transactions.

How To Identify AI Dating Scams

While deepfake technology has made it harder to spot fake profiles, there are telltale signs that can help individuals detect a scam. Look for inconsistencies in visual details, such as erratic eye movements or poorly lit areas in deepfake videos. In many cases, scammers will avoid live video calls or claim they cannot make one. Pay attention to narrative inconsistencies, excessive flattery, and requests for money or gifts, especially if there’s a sense of urgency.

LEARN MORE: The World Economic Forum recently ranked narrative attacks created by misinformation and disinformation as the #1 global risk for the second consecutive year. Harmful narratives also fan the flames of the top five risks, including extreme weather, state-based armed conflict, societal polarization, and cyber espionage. Check out the report here.

Top 5 Most Common AI Dating Scams

According to Compass Context, the most prevalent AI-driven dating scams include:

• Catfishing: Scammers create fake profiles using AI-generated images and information to deceive individuals into believing they are engaging with a real person. 

• Romance Scams: Fraudsters build emotional connections with victims through AI-generated conversations, eventually requesting money under false pretenses.

• Sugar Daddy/Sugar Baby Scams: Scammers pose as wealthy individuals seeking companionship, using AI-generated profiles to lure victims into financial schemes. 

• Sextortion Scams: Perpetrators use AI-generated explicit content to blackmail victims, threatening to release compromising material unless a ransom is paid. 

• Investment Fraud: Scammers employ AI-generated personas to promote fake investment opportunities, convincing victims to transfer funds into non-existent ventures.  

The Way Forward – Three Takeaways For Leaders

• AI’s Rapid Evolution Demands Proactive Measures: As AI technology advances, deepfake detection becomes more challenging. Leaders must invest in tools like Compass Vision by Blackbird.AI to stay ahead of AI-driven scams and protect their organizations and customers.
• Deepfake Awareness is Critical: Educating teams and consumers about the telltale signs of AI dating scams—such as erratic video movements, refusal for live calls, and urgent financial requests—can help reduce vulnerability to sophisticated fraud tactics.
• Contextual Tools are Essential for Protection: Scammers leverage AI to create compelling profiles and interactions. Leaders should adopt AI-powered resources, like Compass by Blackbird.AI, that assess and analyze digital content for authenticity to safeguard users.

AI is evolving rapidly, which will only continue to make deepfake detection more cumbersome. This is why Blackbird.AI developed tools and resources to provide context and detect deepfakes. One of our tools, Compass by Blackbird.AI, is equipped with deepfake detection technology called Compass Vision to help combat AI-generated deepfake imagery.

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• To learn more about how Blackbird.AI can help you in these situations, book a demo.