Digital Deception: How AI is Changing Online Dating Scams

As Valentine’s Day approaches, technology is playing a larger role in modern romance—but so are online scams. Cybersecurity firm McAfee has raised concerns about the rising threat of AI-powered romance scams, making it increasingly challenging to differentiate between genuine connections and sophisticated digital deception.

This growing trend, dubbed “fauxmance” by McAfee, highlights the emotional vulnerability of online daters, who may unknowingly fall for AI-generated personas designed to manipulate and deceive.

Trust in Online Dating is Declining

Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee, emphasized how these evolving scams are eroding trust in digital matchmaking. “Online dating has transformed how we form relationships, but it also introduces new risks. Our research found that 84% feel their trust in potential matches has been affected by scams involving deepfake videos, fake images, deceptive messages, and fraudulent emails,” Mukherjee stated.

Social Media: A Growing Hotspot for Romance Scams

While dating apps like Tinder and Bumble remain popular, but social media platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram are used for romantic connections. However, this shift has expanded the scam landscape, with fraudsters leveraging AI-generated profiles and digital trickery to deceive users.

Celebrity Impersonation Scams on the Rise

One of the more alarming trends uncovered in the report involves scammers pretending to be celebrities or public figures. McAfee found that 42% of participants or someone they knew had been targeted by individuals posing as famous personalities. These scams often involve fake promises of meetups, collaborations, or exclusive giveaways, leading to financial loss, identity theft, or emotional distress.

Fake Profiles and AI-Generated Manipulations

The study also revealed that 69% of people have come across fraudulent profiles or AI-generated images while using dating apps or social media. Notably, 34% encountered them on mainstream dating platforms, while 54% found them on social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Additionally, 28% reported chatting with someone they believed was a real person, only to later discover they had been interacting with an AI bot.

How to Protect Yourself from Online Dating Scams

To help users navigate the risks of digital dating, McAfee suggests the following precautions:

• Be cautious with online connections – Avoid matches who refuse video calls, try to move conversations off-platform too quickly, or profess love prematurely.
• Verify identities – Use reverse image searches and social media checks to confirm a person’s authenticity.
• Protect your personal information – Be mindful of sharing details that scammers could use for identity theft or password guessing.
• Never send money or gifts – A genuine romantic partner will never request financial help.
• Utilize cybersecurity tools – Solutions like McAfee Scam Protection can detect and block phishing attempts, AI-driven fraud, and suspicious online activity.

As technology continues to blur the lines between reality and deception, staying vigilant and informed is crucial for safe online dating experiences.