The rapid rise of generative artificial intelligence is adding a new layer of sophistication to online romance scams, prompting law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts worldwide to issue fresh warnings ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Authorities caution that AI tools now enable fraudsters to create highly convincing fake identities, complete with realistic photos, videos and scripted conversations. These advances are making it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish between genuine connections and carefully engineered deception.
The FBI in the United States, along with police agencies in the United Kingdom and other countries, have recently urged the public to remain vigilant. Romance scams typically involve criminals establishing emotional relationships online before fabricating emergencies or investment opportunities to solicit money.
Earlier this month, Nigerian police arrested a suspect accused of orchestrating a large-scale scheme. The individual allegedly posed as “Travis Kevin,” claiming to be a US-based doctor on Facebook and Instagram. Victims were persuaded to send cryptocurrency for purported medical supplies, with promises of repayment that investigators say never materialized.
Financial losses linked to romance fraud remain significant. The US Federal Trade Commission previously estimated that such scams cost Americans more than $1 billion in 2023 alone. Cybersecurity analysts say the threat has continued to expand in both volume and complexity since then.
A recent report from British bank TSB found that 30% of romance scam cases were connected to Facebook, the highest share among platforms. Social media platforms overall were linked to 58% of reported cases, compared with 42% involving dating websites. The data also indicates that older adults are disproportionately affected: individuals aged 65 to 74 accounted for 23% of cases, while those over 55 represented 58% overall.
Konstantin Levinzon, co-founder of Planet VPN, said scammers increasingly rely on psychological manipulation supported by AI-generated content. He advises users to avoid sending money or personal information to individuals they have not met in person, to conduct reverse image searches, enable multifactor authentication, and strengthen privacy settings.
As online engagement rises around February 14, authorities stress that heightened awareness remains the primary defense against AI-enabled romance fraud.
