Romance scams are on the rise, exploiting emotions and trust for financial gain. Learn how to identify and avoid these scams, especially those involving AI.
Romance scams are a significant and growing problem, exploiting people’s emotions and trust, often leading to substantial financial losses and emotional distress. Several reports and warnings highlight the prevalence and evolving tactics of these scams, particularly around Valentine’s Day.
Santander’s Warning on Romance Scams
Santander issued a warning this Valentine’s Day, revealing that nearly £8 million was lost to scammers in 2024. According to the bank, a large percentage of these scams originate on social media platforms, with Facebook being a major channel. In February alone, nearly £800,000 was sent to scammers, with individual losses averaging around £5,009. Young men between 19 and 35 are particularly vulnerable, accounting for a significant portion of reported claims.
Michelle Pilsworth, Head of Fraud and Customer Experience at Santander, emphasized the cruel nature of romance scams and urged people to be cautious when speaking to someone online who asks for money. She advised individuals to stop and think if someone they’ve never met in person requests financial help, regardless of how convincing they may seem.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Being asked for money by someone you’ve never met in person.
- Being pressured to keep the relationship private or distance yourself from friends and family.
- Receiving excuses for why they can’t meet in person or make video calls.
Celebrity Impersonation Scams
Another type of romance scam involves fraudsters impersonating celebrities. One case involved a French woman who lost $850,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt using AI technology. The scammer claimed the money was needed for kidney treatment. A representative for the real Brad Pitt warned against responding to unsolicited online messages, especially from actors not present on social networks.
Reports indicate that many people have been duped by scammers impersonating stars like Keanu Reeves, Dacre Montgomery, and Sandra Bullock. The advancements in AI technology make it easier for scammers to convincingly impersonate others.
The Role of AI in Romance Scams
AI plays a significant role in the evolution of romance scams. AI-generated pictures and videos make it harder to verify identities. AI chatbots enable scammers to communicate with multiple potential victims, identifying those vulnerable to their schemes. They establish an intimate connection before requesting financial assistance, always avoiding in-person meetings.
Research suggests that victims of romance scams often share traits such as being trusting, cooperative, and susceptible to persuasion. Loneliness also drives people to seek online connections, making them vulnerable to scams. Parasocial relationships with celebrities can lead people to place significant emotional value on the connection, overlooking signs of deception.
Protecting Yourself from Romance Fraud
To protect yourself from romance fraud, consider the following:
- Verify Identity: Use reverse image searches and insist on live video calls.
- Never Send Money: No genuine partner will pressure you for financial help, especially if you’ve never met.
- Be Wary of Celebrity DMs: It’s likely a scam if a famous figure suddenly messages you.
- Avoid Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on unknown links or apps.
ITV News and McAfee Findings
New data given to ITV News showed researchers uncovered 6,000 links to romance scams a day in the run up to Valentine’s Day. Scammers use dating apps, social media, messaging services, and fraudulent websites.
One example involved a woman named Nikki who lost almost £20,000 to a scammer named Anna. Anna used AI-generated videos to convince Nikki she was genuine. Cyber Security Expert Oliver Devane says there are many websites that allow people to generate AI images of people who do not exist.
McAfee’s Tips for Recognizing Romance Scams
McAfee provides the following tips:
- Watch for “love bombing.”
- Verify their identity.
- Never send money.
- Be wary of celebrity DMs.
- Avoid suspicious links.
- Use online protection tools.
If you are looking for support and advice about romance fraud, resources are available to help.
Sources: https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/santander-warning-customers-more-5000-31008975
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/ai-generated-brad-pitt-conned-100016530.html
https://www.itv.com/news/2025-02-12/how-the-rise-in-ai-romance-scams-is-costing-lovers-thousands