New research indicates a surge in dating app and website activity leading up to Valentine’s Day, accompanied by an elevated risk of falling victim to scams.
Increasingly, scammers are employing sophisticated methods such as bots and artificial intelligence to deceive individuals into transferring funds to them.
According to cybersecurity firm Arkose Labs, there was a staggering 2087% rise in bot attacks on dating apps between January 2023 and January 2024.
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Bots, which are internet-based software, are programmed to carry out automated tasks at a pace beyond human capability.
Scammers utilize bots to create numerous fraudulent accounts and fake dating profiles on a large scale.
If successful, they leverage these fabricated profiles to entice unsuspecting individuals into forming online relationships and eventually solicit money from them.
Research conducted by Barclays indicates that individuals aged between 51 and 60 are the demographic most susceptible to falling victim to romance scams.
According to Kevin Gosschalk, Founder and CEO of Arkose Labs, advancements in technology are enabling scammers to enhance their persuasiveness with their targets.
“They are employing artificial intelligence to compose messages within applications or platforms,” Gosschalk stated.
Arkose Labs is among the increasing number of US companies specializing in assisting businesses in combating cyber-attacks, particularly those orchestrated by bots.
Avoiding Scams: Key Warning Signs and Tips
Below are indicators that you might be engaging with a scammer on a dating app:
- Formal or robotic messages: Scammers often utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to generate messages, resulting in overly structured or unnatural conversations. To verify this, consider using an online AI detection tool to analyze copied messages.
- Inconsistencies in information: Fake profiles may be managed by multiple scammers within a cybercrime network, leading to inconsistencies in personality and communication style. Watch for abrupt shifts in demeanor and tone.
- Unusual activity patterns: If someone claims to reside in your area but contacts you during odd hours, it could suggest that the scammer is located overseas.
- Unrealistic profile photos: Excessively polished or unrealistic images may indicate that the profile is using stolen photos from the internet. Conducting a reverse image search online can help confirm this suspicion.
- Solicitation for money: Requests for financial assistance are a clear indication of a potential scam and should raise immediate concern.