In the ever-evolving landscape of online dating, technological advancements have brought both convenience and complexity. Among these is the rise of AI-powered fraud, a troubling trend that has garnered attention in recent years. Recently a journalism student from Curtin University reached out to me to find out my thoughts on this from a seasoned matchmaker’s perspective. So here are my thoughts…

There has reportedly been a 2000 per cent increase in attacks on dating sites and apps between 2024
and 2023 in the United States, according to the Arkose Cyber Threat Intelligence Research Unit. This surge is concerning but not entirely unexpected. As technology advances, so do the tactics used by scammers to exploit vulnerabilities in all types of online platforms. It is becoming prevalent in the online dating scene because technology has the ability to write with human tone and emotion, due to its efficiency in generating convincing profiles and engaging in conversations that mimic human interaction. This automation allows scammers to scale their operations and target multiple users simultaneously.

The sad part is that people often fall for AI fraud in online dating due to the emotional vulnerability inherent in seeking romantic connections. To protect users from fraud on dating sites, I believe that platforms should invest in robust verification systems to authenticate user identities. Additionally, raising awareness among users about the existence of AI fraud and providing education on how to identify and report suspicious activity is crucial. Online daters users should remain vigilant of overly perfect profiles or partners who escalate the relationship unusually quickly (especially prior to meeting in person). Until you meet in person, you don’t know who you’re talking to or what you’re building with them.

My advice for users who are unaware of AI fraud on online dating sites is to approach interactions with caution and a touch of skepticism. It’s essential to verify the authenticity of profiles, avoid sharing sensitive information, and be wary of requests for financial assistance or unusual behavior.

As we navigate the complexities of online dating, the rise of AI-powered fraud highlights the need for vigilance and awareness.