As a private investigator specializing in fraud and cybercrime, I have seen much iteration of romance scams over the years. However, the recent rise of deepfake artificial intelligence (AI) has added a chilling new dimension to these scams, making them more sophisticated and challenging to detect. South Africa, like the rest of the world, is experiencing a surge in AI-driven romance scams, leaving victims financially and emotionally devastated.
The Evolution of Romance Scams in South Africa
Traditionally, romance scams involved scammers creating fake profiles on dating apps or social media. They would use stolen images to build an attractive persona, engaging in long conversations to gain the victim’s trust. Once trust was established, they would manufacture crises—medical emergencies, stranded overseas, business losses—and convince the victim to send money.
With South Africa’s online dating scene projected to have 8.9 million users by 2028, it has become a ripe hunting ground for fraudsters. The emergence of deepfake AI technology has significantly amplified the threat, making it easier for scammers to impersonate real people and evade detection.
How Deepfake AI is Revolutionizing Romance Scams
Deepfake technology allows scammers to create highly realistic videos and images that mimic real human faces and voices. Instead of relying on static stolen images, criminals can now generate AI-powered videos where their fake persona smiles, blinks, and even talks in real time.
These deepfake scams typically unfold in the following ways:
- AI-Generated Profiles: Scammers use AI to create entirely synthetic personas, making reverse image searches ineffective.
- Live Deepfake Video Chats: Fraudsters use AI-powered software to impersonate real people on video calls, making victims believe they are interacting with a genuine individual.
- Voice Cloning: AI-generated voices allow scammers to make phone calls using stolen identities, further solidifying their deception.
- Fake Investment Opportunities: Many scams now mix romance with investment fraud, where victims are convinced to send money for a non-existent business venture or crypto currency scheme.
- Blackmail & Extortion: Some scammers convince victims to share intimate photos or videos, only to use AI to manipulate the content and threaten exposure unless a ransom is paid.
Why Are These Scams So Effective?
The emotional nature of romance scams makes them particularly compelling. Victims develop deep emotional connections with their scammers, often ignoring red flags. With AI improving the realism of these scams, even the most skeptical individuals can fall prey to fraudsters.
In South Africa, social media has become a key tool for scammers, as platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook allow easy and direct communication. Many victims are targeted through social media messages, where a scammer quickly builds rapport by mirroring their interests and values. Studies indicate that women are more frequently targeted than men. An analysis of 50 convicted online romance fraud offenders revealed that 70% primarily targeted female victims, 14% targeted male victims, and 10% targeted both genders.
Real-Life Cases in South Africa
Recent reports have highlighted numerous cases of South Africans losing millions to AI-powered romance scams. Some victims have resigned from their jobs to access retirement funds, believing they were helping a loved one. In many instances, the scammers operate as part of transnational syndicates, making it difficult for authorities to track them down.
A significant case involved an international syndicate where eight Nigerian nationals were arrested in Cape Town for orchestrating a large-scale romance scam. Their victims, primarily elderly South African women, were deceived into sending over R100 million collectively.
In 2021, Ms Anderson (not her real name) connected with a man named David Allen Ferguson on Facebook. He claimed to be a geologist working for Caltex South Africa in the Port Elizabeth region and was originally from the United States.
As their online relationship developed, “Mr. Felguson” informed Ms. Anderson that he had inherited $32,340,000 but needed financial assistance to access the funds. He claimed he required money to buy himself from his contract with Caltex.
Over time, Ms. Anderson made multiple payments to various South African bank accounts. In January 2022, “Mr. Felguson” told she he had returned to the U.S. and wanted to meet her in person. She covered all his travel expenses, including flights.
However, on the day of his supposed arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, she received a call from someone claiming to be a customs official. She was informed that “Mr. Felguson” had been detained for attempting to bring an uncut diamond into the country. The caller claimed the diamond was intended as an engagement gift for her and demanded R200,000 for his release.
Tragically, Ms Anderson lost nearly R2 million in the scam. During our investigation, we discovered that the identity used by the scammer belonged to a deceased U.S. citizen. The images he provided as proof of his incarceration were digitally altered using Photoshop. See below for details:
Warning Signs of an AI-Powered Romance Scam
Given the sophistication of AI-driven scams, individuals must remain vigilant. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Love Bombing: Excessive compliments and declarations of love within days or weeks.
- Avoiding In-Person Meetings: Scammers make excuses to avoid face-to-face interactions.
- Uncanny Video Calls: Video calls may appear slightly off, with unnatural eye movements or delayed lip-syncing.
- Financial Requests: Requests for money under the guise of an emergency or investment opportunity.
- Inconsistencies in Communication: AI-generated messages are often error-free but lack emotional nuance.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Identities: Conduct a reverse image search, check social media history, and ask detailed personal questions that an imposter may struggle to answer.
- Use Video Call Tests: Ask the person to perform random actions on video calls, like touching their nose or moving their hands.
- Be Wary of Financial Requests: Never send money to someone you haven’t met.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report scams to the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) or law enforcement.
- Use AI-Detection Tools: Some platforms offer deepfake detection tools that analyze facial movements and inconsistencies in video calls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Romance Scams
1. How do romance scammers operate?
Romance scammers typically use social media, dating websites, or messaging apps to find potential victims. They craft convincing profiles, often using stolen photos of attractive individuals. Once they establish trust, they create elaborate stories about needing financial assistance due to emergencies, medical expenses, or business problems.
2. What are the common signs of a romance scam?
- The person professes love very quickly.
- They avoid in-person meetings and make excuses not to video chat.
- They claim to work overseas (e.g., military personnel, contractors, or doctors in remote areas).
- They ask for money, gift cards, or crypto currency, often citing emergencies.
- They provide inconsistent details or stories that don’t add up.
- They pressure you to move communication off dating platforms to private messaging apps.
3. Who is most vulnerable to romance scams?
Anyone can fall victim to a romance scam, but scammers often target emotionally vulnerable individuals, such as those who are recently divorced, widowed, or lonely. Scammers also target people of all ages, but older adults may be particularly susceptible due to their financial stability.
4. What should I do if I suspect someone is a scammer?
- Stop communicating with the person immediately.
- Do a reverse image search of their profile picture to check for stolen images.
- Verify their identity by requesting a live video call.
- Never send money, gift cards, or personal information.
- Report the scam to the dating platform, social media site, or law enforcement.
- Inform your bank if financial transactions were involved.
5. Can romance scams lead to identity theft?
Yes. If you share personal information such as your full name, address, ID, or banking details, scammers can use it for identity theft. They may open accounts in your name, commit fraud, or sell your information on the dark web.
6. How can I protect myself from romance scams?
- Be cautious when talking to strangers online.
- Verify profiles by checking their social media presence and history.
- Never share personal or financial information.
- Be sceptical of requests for money, especially from someone you have never met.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, investigate further.
7. What should I do if I’ve already sent money to a scammer?
- Contact your bank or payment service provider immediately to try and reverse the transaction.
- Submit a report to the local police department.
- Report the scam to organizations such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Interpol, or local fraud reporting agencies.
- Inform dating platforms and social media sites where the scammer contacted you.
8. Are romance scammers ever caught?
While some scammers are caught, many operate in different countries, making it difficult for authorities to prosecute them. However, law enforcement agencies worldwide are working to track and shut down scam networks.
9. Why do scammers often pretend to be oil rig engineers, military personnel, or doctors?
These professions allow scammers to:
- Justify being in a remote location with limited communication.
- Create believable excuses for financial requests (e.g., needing money for equipment, medical emergencies, or travel).
- They appear wealthy and successful, making them more attractive to victims.
10. How can I help others avoid romance scams?
- Educate friends and family about the warning signs.
- Share real-life stories of victims to spread awareness.
- Encourage safe online dating practices.
- Report fake profiles and suspicious activity on social media and dating platforms.
The Future of AI-Driven Scams
The rise of AI means that fraudsters will continue evolving their techniques. While authorities and cyber security firms are working on AI-powered scam detection tools, public awareness remains the most effective defence. Royal Investigations is committed to uncovering these scams and bringing justice to victims. If you suspect you or someone you know is being scammed, seek professional assistance immediately. As deepfake AI becomes more accessible, staying informed and cautious is crucial in protecting yourself from these sophisticated digital fraudsters.