Think you’ve found love online? Experts reveal the signs that your sweetheart is a robot in disguise

Love and romance look a little different nowadays, don't they? Gone are the days of meeting a special someone at a local park or bumping into them at the grocery store. As our society leans more heavily into the digital realm, many find themselves trying to navigate dating sites and apps to find love (or friendship!).

But with this wave of new technology comes a unique threat: Artificial intelligence-driven romance scams.



The rapid advancement in technology has drastically changed the world. But as these changes impact our lives, they also come with potential dangers that everyone should be wary of: scammers.

We’ve heard about cybercriminals hacking banks, sending phishing emails, or impersonating loved ones. But this time, scammers have infiltrated dating websites and are now using chatbots to trick people out of their hard-earned money.

New research has found that fraudulent activities have become rampant online, and experts are now warning that it is likely that the sweet messages you’re receiving are generated by AI.


scam1.jpg
Scammers have infiltrated dating websites. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

A survey of 2,000 people found that 30 per cent have fallen victim to a romance scam or know someone who has.

Earlier this year, a former scammer-turned-(good)Samaritan who goes by the alias Chris shared the different tactics romance scammers use. He said that as a student, he would build relationships with women online via social media platforms.

He also revealed that the type of women he would target were usually ‘older’ women because he found it easier to ‘sweet-talk’ his way into a trusting relationship with them. You can read more about this story here.



Now, Daniel Holmes, Fraud Prevention Specialist at Feedzai – a financial fraud detection company, has shared the seven signs your online sweetheart could be a scammer in disguise.

Sign #1: Do a background check:

Have a look and see if the profile and its details can be found on other social media platforms. ‘If you connect with someone, you would expect to find them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other platform,’ Mr Holmes said.


scam2.jpg
See if you can find them on other social media platforms. Credit: Geri Tech/Pexels

Sign #2: Was the profile created recently?

A good way to know if someone is a fraudster is if their profile was recently created. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT – an AI chatbot – allows romance scams to be deployed at a large scale. Cybercriminals can create or deactivate profiles easily.

‘So, if they fail with one, they can be successful with another, and they will move on to another profile with another picture,’ Mr Holmes explained.

Romance scams used to be ‘performed’ by one person attempting to scam one or two victims at a time. But because of Generative AI, these types of scams can target millions of users and generate realistic responses to victims.

‘Romance scammers now have the tools, motivation, and skills to launch high-quality and convincing catfishing campaigns,’ Mr Holmes continued.



Sign #3: Ask them for a selfie

Asking them for a ‘selfie’ (photo) or a video is a challenge, as scammers usually try to dodge or flat-out refuse requests like this. And if they do send one, the selfie looks ‘generic’ or doesn’t look like their profile picture at all.

However, do note that Generative AI can create tailored images these days, and the programs used can create almost any photo that a user wants within seconds.

The technology is so powerful that it can even superimpose photos of real people onto other people’s bodies and use the images for nefarious reasons, such as creating fully nude or hyper-sexualised images from the user’s headshots. You can read more details about this here.


scam3.jpg
Technology can be quite scary. Credit: Antonio Florentini/Pexels

Sign #4: They want to talk to you on another social media platform

‘Fraudsters will quickly try and channel out of a dating site and into a WhatsApp or SMS-based conversation where it's easy to access and exchange messages etc.,’ Mr Holmes explained before adding that this is how scammers can build their narrative and create trust with the victim.

Sign #5: They ask you for funds

The biggest sign is if they ask you for money early on in your ‘relationship’.

Mr Holmes said: ‘Sometimes scammers will play the long game, sometimes they won't. It's a numbers game for the scammers.’

He also shared that the ‘common element’ of the scam is getting the victim to believe why they need the money. Once this happens, the scammer will then ask for money.



Sign #6: They toy with your emotions

From the moment you connect to the moment they start asking you for money, these scammers will play with your emotions to the best of their abilities.

‘There is a dialogue that goes on in at that time, and it’s that dialogue that is the art of the fraudster. But it's always going to come down to them playing on one of two things: playing on emotions or actively pushing for money,’ Mr Holmes claimed.

According to him, the conversations could take the form of being lured in romantically or convincing you to invest in a scheme. In one instance, an 80-year-old man from Queensland was scammed out of $20,000 by a woman named Freda, his online girlfriend. You can read more details here.

Sign #7: They don’t want to meet up with you

This is another tell-tale sign that the person you’re talking to is only after your money.

‘You're never going to meet a scammer in real life. If you offer to meet and they repeatedly say no, that would be another red flag,’ Mr Holmes declared.
Key Takeaways
  • AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have increasingly been used by scammers targeting victims on dating sites for money.
  • A survey of 2,000 people revealed that 30 per cent have fallen victim to a romance scam or know someone who has.
  • Fraud prevention specialist Daniel Holmes shared seven signs to detect if a love interest might be an AI scammer, including checking their presence on other social media platforms, the recency of profile creation, and avoiding or delaying real-life meetings.
  • AI-generated art programs can create convincing, tailored images that can be used by AI scammers to appear genuine.
Stay safe online, members! If you have any tips or stories to share about romance scams, then please let us know in the comments below.
 
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Love and romance look a little different nowadays, don't they? Gone are the days of meeting a special someone at a local park or bumping into them at the grocery store. As our society leans more heavily into the digital realm, many find themselves trying to navigate dating sites and apps to find love (or friendship!).

But with this wave of new technology comes a unique threat: Artificial intelligence-driven romance scams.



The rapid advancement in technology has drastically changed the world. But as these changes impact our lives, they also come with potential dangers that everyone should be wary of: scammers.

We’ve heard about cybercriminals hacking banks, sending phishing emails, or impersonating loved ones. But this time, scammers have infiltrated dating websites and are now using chatbots to trick people out of their hard-earned money.

New research has found that fraudulent activities have become rampant online, and experts are now warning that it is likely that the sweet messages you’re receiving are generated by AI.


View attachment 17959
Scammers have infiltrated dating websites. Credit: cottonbro studio/Pexels

A survey of 2,000 people found that 30 per cent have fallen victim to a romance scam or know someone who has.

Earlier this year, a former scammer-turned-(good)Samaritan who goes by the alias Chris shared the different tactics romance scammers use. He said that as a student, he would build relationships with women online via social media platforms.

He also revealed that the type of women he would target were usually ‘older’ women because he found it easier to ‘sweet-talk’ his way into a trusting relationship with them. You can read more about this story here.



Now, Daniel Holmes, Fraud Prevention Specialist at Feedzai – a financial fraud detection company, has shared the seven signs your online sweetheart could be a scammer in disguise.

Sign #1: Do a background check:

Have a look and see if the profile and its details can be found on other social media platforms. ‘If you connect with someone, you would expect to find them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or any other platform,’ Mr Holmes said.


View attachment 17960
See if you can find them on other social media platforms. Credit: Geri Tech/Pexels

Sign #2: Was the profile created recently?

A good way to know if someone is a fraudster is if their profile was recently created. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT – an AI chatbot – allows romance scams to be deployed at a large scale. Cybercriminals can create or deactivate profiles easily.

‘So, if they fail with one, they can be successful with another, and they will move on to another profile with another picture,’ Mr Holmes explained.

Romance scams used to be ‘performed’ by one person attempting to scam one or two victims at a time. But because of Generative AI, these types of scams can target millions of users and generate realistic responses to victims.

‘Romance scammers now have the tools, motivation, and skills to launch high-quality and convincing catfishing campaigns,’ Mr Holmes continued.



Sign #3: Ask them for a selfie

Asking them for a ‘selfie’ (photo) or a video is a challenge, as scammers usually try to dodge or flat-out refuse requests like this. And if they do send one, the selfie looks ‘generic’ or doesn’t look like their profile picture at all.

However, do note that Generative AI can create tailored images these days, and the programs used can create almost any photo that a user wants within seconds.

The technology is so powerful that it can even superimpose photos of real people onto other people’s bodies and use the images for nefarious reasons, such as creating fully nude or hyper-sexualised images from the user’s headshots. You can read more details about this here.


View attachment 17961
Technology can be quite scary. Credit: Antonio Florentini/Pexels

Sign #4: They want to talk to you on another social media platform

‘Fraudsters will quickly try and channel out of a dating site and into a WhatsApp or SMS-based conversation where it's easy to access and exchange messages etc.,’ Mr Holmes explained before adding that this is how scammers can build their narrative and create trust with the victim.

Sign #5: They ask you for funds

The biggest sign is if they ask you for money early on in your ‘relationship’.

Mr Holmes said: ‘Sometimes scammers will play the long game, sometimes they won't. It's a numbers game for the scammers.’

He also shared that the ‘common element’ of the scam is getting the victim to believe why they need the money. Once this happens, the scammer will then ask for money.



Sign #6: They toy with your emotions

From the moment you connect to the moment they start asking you for money, these scammers will play with your emotions to the best of their abilities.

‘There is a dialogue that goes on in at that time, and it’s that dialogue that is the art of the fraudster. But it's always going to come down to them playing on one of two things: playing on emotions or actively pushing for money,’ Mr Holmes claimed.

According to him, the conversations could take the form of being lured in romantically or convincing you to invest in a scheme. In one instance, an 80-year-old man from Queensland was scammed out of $20,000 by a woman named Freda, his online girlfriend. You can read more details here.

Sign #7: They don’t want to meet up with you

This is another tell-tale sign that the person you’re talking to is only after your money.

‘You're never going to meet a scammer in real life. If you offer to meet and they repeatedly say no, that would be another red flag,’ Mr Holmes declared.
Key Takeaways

  • AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have increasingly been used by scammers targeting victims on dating sites for money.
  • A survey of 2,000 people revealed that 30 per cent have fallen victim to a romance scam or know someone who has.
  • Fraud prevention specialist Daniel Holmes shared seven signs to detect if a love interest might be an AI scammer, including checking their presence on other social media platforms, the recency of profile creation, and avoiding or delaying real-life meetings.
  • AI-generated art programs can create convincing, tailored images that can be used by AI scammers to appear genuine.
Stay safe online, members! If you have any tips or stories to share about romance scams, then please let us know in the comments below.
I think, when my very "special friend" who loved my smile and wanted to get to know me couldn't spell "retired military colonel" he was not the one for me!
Seriously though they are out there. I know two women who have lost substantial amounts of money. In one case it was well and truly more than $3.5 million of assets. The other has lost her entire savings of $60k, very recently. No wonder we are all, men and women so hestitant. For every lovely story of love and affection there are so many more who have been stung and badly hurt.
 
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Reactions: MindyMac
Hate this technology. If you need a friend or partner get out there and meet people face to face. Technology has absolutely no emotion so does not care how you feel. Mett someone, hold them, romance with them, it's simple. There are plenty of clubs and social productions in your area that can provide you with your needs. It's downright lazy sitting back on your computer or phone hoping to find your friend/partner, it won't happen unless you get up off your butt and go find it. You CAN do it, don't give in, the result will reward your effort many times over. Go to it peoples.
 
This photo is of a pic someone in Jamaica put onto Facebook
Said his name is William Patterson , age 64 born California. Worked in Sydney , lives in Ireland . Is a OIM operation installation manager. Hi Phone No is
+1(601) 452 - 6859. Very pleasant to text to well mannered. Want someone to change texting platforms . Messenger , to Google , to WhatsApp. Got my friend to delete him and block him altogether.
What a hide,
So everyone please be careful
 

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Reactions: MindyMac
I think, when my very "special friend" who loved my smile and wanted to get to know me couldn't spell "retired military colonel" he was not the one for me!
Seriously though they are out there. I know two women who have lost substantial amounts of money. In one case it was well and truly more than $3.5 million of assets. The other has lost her entire savings of $60k, very recently. No wonder we are all, men and women so hestitant. For every lovely story of love and affection there are so many more who have been stung and badly hurt.
Tell-Tale signs that these men are in the military, a retired military colonel, on duty, in remote area for their government. It's Nigeria speaking to you every single time. These people have word doc statements that they just 'copy and paste.' They are not writing every single word every single time. It's Copy & Paste and then $Pay Up.

As you can , your two friends fell for it and even you falling for that, as you state it 'special friend.' You are talking to a person from Nigeria, India, Pakistan, even the US and all they are after is your money.
 
This photo is of a pic someone in Jamaica put onto Facebook
Said his name is William Patterson , age 64 born California. Worked in Sydney , lives in Ireland . Is a OIM operation installation manager. Hi Phone No is
+1(601) 452 - 6859. Very pleasant to text to well mannered. Want someone to change texting platforms . Messenger , to Google , to WhatsApp. Got my friend to delete him and block him altogether.
What a hide,
So everyone please be careful
It's probably not this gent at all and the fake FB profile is using someone's photo and that have a completely different name and don't even know that their photo is being used. Exactly why you should not post photos of yourself on FB.
 
Are people so weak minded these days. So immature that they fall for this even though it's been on the news, current affair programs that air around the world. Programs that aired on television of people being scammed, even people going overseas to meet up with a person only to go missing and found murdered or never found again at all.

Are people so afraid of being alone. I've never married and all because men refused to accept my disability. I had boyfriends when I was in my twenties break it off because of my disability and yet they were keen as hell. Very smitten but so weak-minded that rather than accept my disability they broke it off with me when I finally had to explain my disability. It was eventually going to show itself. I had to learn to be by myself and so should others as well. It's a case of 'grow-up for goodness sack.' Look at what has happened to so many and take into account as well 'the many' that have not spoken up and been taken for an easy ride to $zero in their bank account.

They are fake people in Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Philippines, several African countries and yes, even in the USA and Canada. They have word doc set-up and all they do is copy and paste. Copy and paste and copy and paste, because they are communicating with hundreds of people all at the same time and telling they "I love you. I'm madly in love with you."

Really people! Would you go to bed with just anyone because they tell you that they are madly in love you and you feel absolutely nothing and the last thing that you want is to be in bed with them. Wanting them even touching you in that way. Expecting kisses. I know that every person knows this feeling. I did and I would still expect this normal emotion that he's not the one for me even though he accepts my condition. You cannot make that attraction happen and if you do, then it's fake. Simply fake and it means that you or that person you know is just fake. I knew someone exactly like this. Fake and always telling people from one gent to another and within two weeks to two months her announcements "We're engaged." The fake announcements all the time and expecting and demanding that engagement ring that she made each gent buy and never ever wore.

They are out there people. False people and fake emotion people. Be careful who you talk to and who you walk beside with or even decide tonight's the night and turn the bed sheets down.
 

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