In recent years romance scams have become increasingly prevalent, with the number of people falling victim rising by 22% in 2023. As it stands, a staggering 22% of all adults in the UK fall prey to such scams. With the use of new AI technologies, scammers are becoming more advanced in their efforts and ultimately more successful in their attempts to defraud vulnerable users online looking for love.
However, the advancements of AI have also improved the ability to detect fraudsters. Just this week, Bumble inc. announced a new AI tool named ‘Deception Detector’ which aims to detect and block fake accounts before users are exposed to them. Upon testing, the tool managed to identify and remove 95% of such accounts, significantly reducing their users chance of falling victim.
Whilst these tools are certainly a development, it’s important that social media and dating app users are aware of the tell-tale signs of fake profiles. DailyAI.com have put together the giveaways of a fake profiles and some tips in order to help users avoid falling victim:
Generic or inconsistent Profile Information:
Fake profiles often lack detailed information, so keep an eye out for vague or generic descriptions that could apply to anyone. Scammers often limit their details to avoid being caught out in a lie, however, with any information provided, check for any inconsistencies such as conflicting details about their job, location, or interests.
Too Good to Be True Photos:
Not always, but in many cases, if it seems too good to be true, it often is. So be wary of photos that look overly polished. A good way to check if the photos being used are fake, is to reverse image search profile pictures to see if they appear elsewhere on the internet.
Limited Number of Photos:
Similar to limited information, if profiles have a limited number of pictures, it’s a red flag as typically genuine profiles often have a variety of pictures that capture different aspects of the person’s life.
Quick Declarations of Love:
Scammers often try to establish a strong emotional connection quickly, so be cautious if the person expresses intense feelings or declares love very early in the conversation.
Refusal to Meet or Communicate Outside the Dating Platform:
If the person constantly avoids video calls, meeting in person, or communicating outside the dating platform, it is a sign that the person behind the profile isn’t who they claim to be and out of the fear of being exposed will avoid any form of communication that will reveal this to you.
Check Their Online Presence:
Searching for the person on other social media platforms is a great way to see if their online presence is consistent. Often scammers will steal photos from real users, so be cautious if you find multiple profiles with different information.
Ultimately, trust your instincts, if something feels off or too good to be true, it’s important to proceed with caution. Scammers are continuously refining their tactics, so staying vigilant and using your judgement is crucial in the online dating world. If you have doubts about a profile, consider seeking advice from friends or reporting it to the dating platform for further investigation.
Our in-house expert, David Merry, at DailyAI.com commented:
“While new AI tools will play a crucial role in automating the detection of fake dating profiles, it is essential for users to remain vigilant and employ their own judgement. It should be a collaborative approach, whereby human intuition complements AI capabilities, to combat the evolving landscape of online dating scams.”
