UK online daters face rising AI-generated scam threats

Norton has released a new survey highlighting the increasing risk of scams and AI-generated deception encountered by online daters in the UK.

The Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report: Online Dating Edition reveals that a significant 54% of British individuals using dating apps have engaged with suspicious profiles or messages at least once a week. The findings underscore a growing concern about the rise in online dating scams, with Norton threat data indicating a 47% increase in blocked scam attacks in the UK in 2024 compared to the previous year.

According to the report, the average financial loss for UK victims of dating scams amounted to more than GBP £1,008, with 81% of those targeted suffering monetary losses. Common scams include romance scams, which accounted for 36% of reported incidents, followed by catfishing at 29% and sugar daddy/sugar baby scams at 26%.

The report also sheds light on how loneliness is cited as a major factor driving individuals to take risks with their personal information and money. An overwhelming 83% of survey respondents noted feelings of loneliness, with more than one-third (36%) of 18 to 24-year-olds indicating that loneliness influences them to make risky decisions in their quest for online connections.

Hayley Quinn, a Dating Coach, commented on the report's findings, saying, "It's unsurprising that 83% of respondents say they experience loneliness: In a post-pandemic, digital world, loneliness is an epidemic. Whilst seeking a romantic partner may feel like the logical next step to solve loneliness, doing so too hastily can leave someone open to disappointment and potentially even risk.

"If you're experiencing loneliness, instead of putting all your eggs into the romance basket, use this as a sign to build your wider social life, resilience and confidence instead. Ultimately this will empower you to date broadly and figure out who is right for you, rather than falling for the first person who sends you a nice message online."

The survey also highlights that AI is adding a new layer of complexity to the online dating experience. A majority, 62%, of Brits who currently use dating apps admitted they could not identify an AI-generated photo or voice message, nor determine if they were conversing with a bot. This presents a challenge, as 27% of 25 to 34-year-olds who admit to feelings of loneliness would still interact with an AI chatbot if feeling isolated.

In contrast, some online daters are turning to AI to enhance their profiles and interactions. Among those using dating apps, 56% would consider using AI to craft their profile, 63% for writing pick-up lines, 49% for practising flirting, and 44% would even contemplate using AI to go on virtual dates on their behalf.

Commenting on the implications, Leyla Bilge, Director of Scam Research Labs for Norton, stated, "As AI becomes more ingrained in how people interact and present themselves online, it's critical to recognise both its benefits and the ways it can be manipulated by bad actors. With online dating offering more ways to connect than ever before, it's also giving scammers more opportunities to exploit people."

Norton advises individuals to remain vigilant while dating online. The company suggests verifying a person's identity through phone or video calls, researching potential connections on social media, avoiding suspicious links, and remaining cautious about what personal information is shared online. Additionally, products like Norton Genie can assist in identifying potential scams and protecting users.