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As generative AI and deepfakes gain popularity online, scammers are using these techniques to target those looking for love in the digital world. According to a report, romance scams are getting amplified by the use of new technology and people in India are falling for them.
Researchers from cybersecurity company Tenable have warned that romance scams are on the rise in India.They highlight that romance scams have undergone a transformation where scammers are merging traditional tactics with advanced technologies like generative AI and deepfakes.
As per a report by Tenable, a majority of people (66%) in the country fell prey to an online dating scam that was executed using AI-generated voice and deepfakes. In 2023, 43% of Indians became victims of AI voice scams and 83% of those who were scammed lost money.
“AI-generated deepfakes have become sophisticated enough that more than two-thirds (69%) of Indians say they cannot differentiate between AI and a person’s real voice,” the findings showed.
How scammers are using AI to target people
Scammers are leveraging generative AI and deepfake technologies to create more convincing personas in romance scams. They impersonate someone to make the potential victims believe they are romantically inclined to them.
These scams often originate on platforms like Facebook, tricking victims into a false sense of security, the report said.
“I strongly advocate for heightened vigilance when coerced away from established platforms into private conversations, where the protective layers of the initial site are forfeited. Regardless of the involvement of generative AI or deepfakes, the watchword is caution,” said Chris Boyd, staff research engineer at Tenable.
The report also said that celebrity impersonations, particularly targeting older demographics, have become widespread.
“A troubling trend emerging is one where scammers routinely target older individuals, especially those who are widowed or suffer from memory loss,” the report added.
How to spot a scam
Researchers advise that any requests for money from newfound connections is a red flag and should caution you. They also warned that people should scrutinise photographs and videos that deliberately conceal background details.
“Awareness and vigilance are our best defences against these heartless manipulations, ensuring that love seekers don’t fall victim to the tangled web of AI-enhanced deception,” said Boyd.
(With agency inputs)
Researchers from cybersecurity company Tenable have warned that romance scams are on the rise in India.They highlight that romance scams have undergone a transformation where scammers are merging traditional tactics with advanced technologies like generative AI and deepfakes.
As per a report by Tenable, a majority of people (66%) in the country fell prey to an online dating scam that was executed using AI-generated voice and deepfakes. In 2023, 43% of Indians became victims of AI voice scams and 83% of those who were scammed lost money.
“AI-generated deepfakes have become sophisticated enough that more than two-thirds (69%) of Indians say they cannot differentiate between AI and a person’s real voice,” the findings showed.
How scammers are using AI to target people
Scammers are leveraging generative AI and deepfake technologies to create more convincing personas in romance scams. They impersonate someone to make the potential victims believe they are romantically inclined to them.
These scams often originate on platforms like Facebook, tricking victims into a false sense of security, the report said.
“I strongly advocate for heightened vigilance when coerced away from established platforms into private conversations, where the protective layers of the initial site are forfeited. Regardless of the involvement of generative AI or deepfakes, the watchword is caution,” said Chris Boyd, staff research engineer at Tenable.
The report also said that celebrity impersonations, particularly targeting older demographics, have become widespread.
“A troubling trend emerging is one where scammers routinely target older individuals, especially those who are widowed or suffer from memory loss,” the report added.
How to spot a scam
Researchers advise that any requests for money from newfound connections is a red flag and should caution you. They also warned that people should scrutinise photographs and videos that deliberately conceal background details.
“Awareness and vigilance are our best defences against these heartless manipulations, ensuring that love seekers don’t fall victim to the tangled web of AI-enhanced deception,” said Boyd.
(With agency inputs)
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