FTC warns of dangers of romance scams

In recent years, the rise of online dating and social media has provided fertile ground for scammers to prey on unsuspecting people looking for love. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has long warned about the dangers of romance scams, where scammers create fake profiles to trick and manipulate their victims. According to the FTC, the average loss in such scams is about $2,000. However, the tactics these scammers use are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and experts are now warning of an alarming new twist: the use of deepfakes. Scammers are employing deepfakes, a technology that uses artificial intelligence to create realistic but fake images, videos, or audio recordings, to make their personas appear even more convincing. These scammers are no longer limited to stolen photographs or generic images, but can now present themselves as seemingly real people through deepfake videos, in which they appear to speak and interact with their victims, adding to the illusion of authenticity.

This new twist is particularly dangerous because it makes it harder for people to recognize the red flags traditionally associated with romance scams. Previously, discrepancies in stories or unusual behavior could indicate a scam. But with deepfakes, scammers can maintain a consistent, realistic presence, making it even easier to manipulate emotions and build trust.

Experts urge the public to be vigilant and cautious when entering into online relationships, particularly with people they have never met in person. They advise verifying identities across multiple channels and being wary of anyone who is reluctant to meet face-to-face or participate in a live video call. Additionally, people should be wary of any requests for money, no matter how convincing the story may seem.

The FTC continues to crack down on romance scams, but with the advent of deepfake technology, individuals must also take a proactive role in protecting themselves. Awareness and skepticism are key in this new era of online deception, as scammers evolve their tactics in an increasingly digital world.