How Romance Scammers Prey on Vulnerability

TechSpective Podcast Episode 146   Loneliness is a powerful emotion, and scammers know how to exploit it. Every year, in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, there is a sharp rise in online romance scams. Similar spikes occur around the holidays, as people seek companionship during a season of togetherness. Karin Zilberstein, VP of Product at Guardio, joins me on the latest episode of the TechSpective Podcast to explore how romance scams have evolved, the red flags you need to watch for, and how AI-driven scams are making online deception more convincing than ever. “Everybody wants to feel connected, and that’s completely understandable,” Zilberstein says. “But scammers know how to take advantage of that vulnerability.” These scams don’t just happen on dating sites. Social media, gaming platforms, and even professional networking sites have become breeding grounds for deception. The Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore While romance scams are becoming more advanced, they still follow patterns that, if recognized early, can prevent costly mistakes. Here are the key warning signs that a seemingly romantic connection may be a scam: They insist on moving the conversation off-platform. Dating apps and social media platforms have security measures in place. Scammers want to communicate through encrypted channels where they can’t be traced. They avoid video calls or in-person meetings. Deepfake videos are improving, but many scammers still refuse face-to-face interactions, often citing excuses like a broken camera or military deployment. They create a sense of urgency. Scammers rush their victims into emotional or financial decisions. They might claim a sudden medical emergency or a last-minute travel expense that requires immediate help. They ask for money in unconventional ways. Rather than direct bank transfers, scammers often request cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire services, making transactions harder to trace and recover. Their stories don’t add up. Inconsistencies in their background, vague answers to direct questions, or changes in personal details over time are all red flags. Recognizing these signs early can be the difference between protecting yourself and becoming the next victim of a costly con. AI and Deepfake Technology: The Future of Fraud Perhaps the most alarming trend in romance scams is the integration of artificial intelligence. There are cases where threat actors use deepfake videos to mimic real people, allowing scammers to hold video calls with their victims while pretending to be someone else. It’s no longer enough to rely on voice or even video as proof of authenticity. The technology is improving so quickly that, in some cases, even cybersecurity experts struggle to detect the fakes. This growing sophistication raises serious concerns about how online deception will evolve. With AI capable of generating customized messages, videos, and even entire social media profiles, scams will become harder to spot, making digital awareness and cybersecurity tools more critical than ever. The High Cost of Romance Scams The financial toll of romance scams is staggering. In 2023 alone, victims lost more than $1.14 billion to these schemes, according to the Federal Trade Commission. But the true cost isn’t just measured in dollars. Many victims suffer emotional distress, embarrassment, and even isolation from family and friends. Some cases involve devastating losses, with victims draining retirement accounts or losing their homes after being manipulated into financial ruin. The emotional investment can be so deep that, even when presented with clear evidence, victims refuse to believe they’ve been scammed. “It’s heartbreaking because the people being targeted just want connection,” Zilberstein says. “They’re not foolish or reckless. They’re being deceived by criminals who are experts in manipulation.” Fighting Back Against Digital Deception