As online dating grows in popularity, so do the risks associated with AI-driven deception. A new study by McAfee reveals that 61% of Indians believe it is possible to develop romantic feelings for an AI chatbot. The report also highlights increasing incidents of deepfake scams, fraudulent profiles, and impersonation of celebrities, making it difficult for online daters to differentiate between genuine and deceptive interactions.
AI Chatbots and Romance: A Rising Concern
With the rise of artificial intelligence in digital spaces, online romance scams have become more sophisticated. According to McAfee’s study:
- 51% of Indians have encountered an AI chatbot posing as a real person on dating platforms or social media.
- 38% believe forming emotional bonds with AI chatbots increases vulnerability to scams.
- 84% of Indians say that online dating scams, including deepfake images, videos, and fake messages, have affected their ability to trust potential partners.
Preferred Platforms for Online Dating
Social media has emerged as the most popular medium for meeting romantic partners. According to the study, the most widely used platforms for online dating in India are:
- Social media (96%) – Instagram (85%), WhatsApp (55%), Telegram (50%)
- Dating apps (91%) – Tinder (61%), Facebook Dating (36%), Bumble (33%), Match (23%)
- Messaging apps (84%)
Scammers Posing as Celebrities
A significant 42% of Indians reported encountering social media accounts impersonating celebrities or well-known personalities. These scammers often build credibility by engaging with users in fan communities.
Among those who fell victim to such scams:
- 47% suffered financial losses
- 48% had their personal information stolen, leading to potential identity theft
- 56% experienced emotional distress
Many were lured into fake contests, fraudulent VIP meet-ups, or even supposed romantic relationships with impersonators.
Fake Profiles and AI-Generated Images
A concerning 69% of Indians have come across suspicious profiles and AI-generated photos on dating apps and social media. Fake profiles were reported across various platforms:
- 54% on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)
- 34% on mainstream dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid
- 15% on chat forums like Reddit and gaming platforms
- 12% even on professional networking sites like LinkedIn
Financial Impact of Online Romance Scams
The study highlights the financial risks associated with online romance scams:
- 70% of Indians have been scammed or pressured into sending money to someone they met online.
- The average financial loss per victim was ₹364,939.
- 32% of victims were unable to recover their lost money.
These scams occur across various platforms, including social media (42%), dating apps (19%), and phishing emails or text messages (19%).
How to Stay Safe While Looking for Love Online
As AI-driven scams become more sophisticated, McAfee urges online daters to exercise caution. Here are some key safety tips:
- Be wary of suspicious behaviour – Avoid matches who refuse video calls, try to move conversations off-platform quickly, or express love too soon.
- Verify identities – Use reverse image searches and social media checks to confirm authenticity.
- Protect personal data – Scammers exploit small details like birthdays or pet names to commit identity theft.
- Never send money – A legitimate romantic partner will never request financial help.
- Use security tools – Services like McAfee Scam Protection and Deepfake Detector can help detect fraudulent interactions in real time.
With AI making romance scams more complex, online users must remain vigilant and informed while navigating the digital dating world.
