Dating scams, aided by ChatGPT, are ruling Valentine’s Week. Here’s how to stay safe #nigeria | #nigeriascams | #lovescams

Love is in the air this week, and Valentine’s Day is just round the corner. But do you know what else is also in the air? Scams.

Dating scams are on the rise, says a new study.

The study

McAfee, a software for online protection and cybersecurity, recently revealed their annual report called “Modern Love”.

• The report featured a survey conducted online in January 2024 by the Market Research Company, MSI-ACI, via email.
• It targeted individuals 18 years and older, inviting them to complete an online questionnaire.
• The purpose was to investigate the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in online dating and their implications on the increase of romance scams and catfishing.
• A total of 7,000 adults completed the survey from 7 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, India, and Japan.

‘39% of Indians found their online love interests were scammers’

The survey revealed a lot of interesting numbers. Let’s have a look at some:

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• Almost 77% of Indians encountered fake profiles or AI-generated photos on dating platforms or social media.
• Shockingly, 39% discovered their online conversations with potential love interests were with scammers.

• If you think AI is not everywhere, you’re wrong. It has now reached your dating profile apps as well. Sadly, 26% conversed with what they thought was a person, only to find out it was an AI-generated bot.

These scams are on the rise according to MCafree, as Valentine’s Day is coming up, with data showing an increase in malware campaigns by 25%, malicious URLs by 300%, and a variety of romance-themed spam and email scams by a staggering 400%.

ChatGPT for special messages? Yes.

People today are using ChatGPT for everything. According to some, if your friendly AI can write resignation letters and other professional bios, why can’t it be used for your love life?

As creepy and non-personal as it sounds, the study reveals that:

• At least 65% of Indians have used ChatGPT/AI to create pics or other content for dating apps.
• And 56% are planning on or considering using AI to compose messages for their Valentine’s Day communication.

However,

• The study also found that 60% would feel hurt or offended if they learnt their Valentine’s Day message was written by AI (you and me both, sister).

The Results

Despite mixed feelings and experiences, the effectiveness of AI is undeniable: 81% of people reported receiving more interest and better responses using AI-generated content than when they drafted or used their original content.

Now, if you’re worried that you could be the next victim, fret not, we got you.

Here are some things that you can keep in mind while looking for your partner online:

• Look at the way they talk

One way to spot a scammer is to watch for consistent, AI-generated messages. If the texts that you’re receiving are often quite generic or lack substance (we see you, red flag) keep an eye and be cautious.

Remember not to click on any links in messages you receive from someone you have not met in person.

Always do a reverse search of the image of the person you’re talking to that you met online, with search engines like Google.

If the search results show that your love interest is associated with another name or with details that don’t match up with what they’ve told you, you may be chatting with a scammer.

• Never send money or gifts you met online

Remember ‘The Tinder Swindler’? If there is one lesson that you can take from that documentary, it is to not ever send money or gifts to the person you met online so easily.

Also, scammers often send money to soften up their victims and build trust, so don’t share personal or account information, even if the other person is forthcoming with theirs.

It can be easy to miss things that don’t add up when you are feeling hopeful and excited. So, pay attention to your friends or family when they show signs of concern, and take the relationship slowly.

Watch out for these red flags to ensure that the next swipe you make is not a red flag or even a bot!