Protect your heart and wallet from deep fake romance scams
- Replies 24
In an age where technology has become intertwined with our daily lives, the search for companionship has increasingly moved online.
However, this digital quest for love has opened the door to a new breed of con artists armed with sophisticated tools that can deceive even the most cautious of hearts.
‘Deepfake technology’, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing fake videos and audio recordings, has taken romance scams to a frightening new level.
These 'rom-cons' are no longer limited to dubious text messages or questionable profile pictures.
Now, they can involve real-time video calls with suitors who appear as charming and attractive as anyone could wish for, but in reality, are nothing more than illusions made by scammers.
Sometimes referred to as 'Yahoo Boys', these scammers are adept at using face-swapping gear to create a false identity nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
The process is simple yet alarmingly effective.
The scammer uses a stolen photo from social media, manipulates it with readily available software, and just like that—they've assumed a new identity.
They present themselves as a professional from a neighbouring state, but beneath the mask is a con artist ready to exploit your emotions for money.
The conversations start innocently enough, with flirtatious banter and compliments.
Soon, they start to ask for money—perhaps for a relative in dire need or an ‘investment opportunity’ that’s too good to be true.
Sometimes, they might even ask for intimate photos, laying the groundwork for potential blackmail.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been on their toes in tracking these scammers, as scammers have swindled over $8 million from victims across the country.
ACCC’s deputy chair Catriona Lowe confirmed 400 reported cases on ScamWatch, with one victim losing over $80,000 in cryptocurrency after seeing a deep fake video of billionaire Elon Musk.
In a similar event, a Hong Kong-based company lost over HK$200 million (A$40 million) in another deep fake scam, with an employee replicating the likeness and the voice of the company’s senior officials.
With the government working with social media platforms like Meta and banks across the region, victims of deep fake frauds may be entitled to compensation soon.
The scammers are unashamed and brazen, sharing how-to videos on executing these scams across various online platforms.
They exchange tips on the most effective software and even send gifts to build rapport with their targets.
They've become so proficient that they can now conduct real-time deep fake video calls—a significant evolution from the pre-recorded clips used in the past.
So, how can you protect yourself from these heartless rom-cons? Vigilance is key.
Be wary of anyone trying to isolate or rush you into financial commitments.
If you're unsure about a suitor's authenticity, involve a friend or family member in the conversation for a second opinion.
Conduct basic research on people you meet on dating sites, and use reverse image searches to verify their photos.
Most importantly, guard your personal and financial information fiercely, and never send money to someone you've only met online.
The Seniors Discount Club’s forums have the Scam Watch section to inform us of the latest con artist tactics and scams.
Have you or someone you know encountered a deepfake romance scam? Share your experiences in the comments below to help raise awareness within our community.
However, this digital quest for love has opened the door to a new breed of con artists armed with sophisticated tools that can deceive even the most cautious of hearts.
‘Deepfake technology’, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing fake videos and audio recordings, has taken romance scams to a frightening new level.
These 'rom-cons' are no longer limited to dubious text messages or questionable profile pictures.
Now, they can involve real-time video calls with suitors who appear as charming and attractive as anyone could wish for, but in reality, are nothing more than illusions made by scammers.
Scammers are now engaging in love scams that drain their victims’ wallets due to the rise of deepfake technology. Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay
Sometimes referred to as 'Yahoo Boys', these scammers are adept at using face-swapping gear to create a false identity nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
The process is simple yet alarmingly effective.
The scammer uses a stolen photo from social media, manipulates it with readily available software, and just like that—they've assumed a new identity.
They present themselves as a professional from a neighbouring state, but beneath the mask is a con artist ready to exploit your emotions for money.
The conversations start innocently enough, with flirtatious banter and compliments.
Soon, they start to ask for money—perhaps for a relative in dire need or an ‘investment opportunity’ that’s too good to be true.
Sometimes, they might even ask for intimate photos, laying the groundwork for potential blackmail.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been on their toes in tracking these scammers, as scammers have swindled over $8 million from victims across the country.
ACCC’s deputy chair Catriona Lowe confirmed 400 reported cases on ScamWatch, with one victim losing over $80,000 in cryptocurrency after seeing a deep fake video of billionaire Elon Musk.
In a similar event, a Hong Kong-based company lost over HK$200 million (A$40 million) in another deep fake scam, with an employee replicating the likeness and the voice of the company’s senior officials.
With the government working with social media platforms like Meta and banks across the region, victims of deep fake frauds may be entitled to compensation soon.
The scammers are unashamed and brazen, sharing how-to videos on executing these scams across various online platforms.
They exchange tips on the most effective software and even send gifts to build rapport with their targets.
They've become so proficient that they can now conduct real-time deep fake video calls—a significant evolution from the pre-recorded clips used in the past.
So, how can you protect yourself from these heartless rom-cons? Vigilance is key.
Be wary of anyone trying to isolate or rush you into financial commitments.
If you're unsure about a suitor's authenticity, involve a friend or family member in the conversation for a second opinion.
Conduct basic research on people you meet on dating sites, and use reverse image searches to verify their photos.
Most importantly, guard your personal and financial information fiercely, and never send money to someone you've only met online.
The Seniors Discount Club’s forums have the Scam Watch section to inform us of the latest con artist tactics and scams.
.png){kind=icon}
