Romance Scams in 2026: How AI Makes Fake Love More Convincing Than Ever

Romance scams have always exploited the most human of needs: the desire for connection and love. In 2026, artificial intelligence is making these scams more sophisticated, more convincing, and more dangerous than ever before—especially for seniors looking for companionship.

The Staggering Cost of Fake Love

According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, romance scams cost Americans over 60 approximately $389 million in reported losses. The actual number is likely much higher, as many victims are too embarrassed to report.

The average romance scam victim loses over $50,000—often their entire retirement savings—to someone they believed loved them.

How AI Has Changed the Game

AI-Generated Photos

Scammers no longer need to steal photos from real people. AI can generate completely fictional but hyper-realistic profile photos. These “people” have never existed, making reverse image searches useless for verification.

Chatbots That Never Sleep

AI chatbots can maintain conversations 24/7, responding instantly with personalized messages. They remember details you shared, ask follow-up questions, and gradually build what feels like a genuine emotional connection—all while the scammer manages dozens of victims simultaneously.

Deepfake Video Calls

Perhaps most alarming: scammers can now conduct video calls using deepfake technology. The face you see on screen may be completely artificial or superimposed over a real person’s face. Brief, “glitchy” video calls that victims once found reassuring may actually be AI-generated deception.

The Anatomy of an AI-Enhanced Romance Scam

  1. Initial Contact: They find you on dating sites, Facebook, or even Words With Friends
  2. Love Bombing: Intense flattery, constant attention, rapid declarations of love
  3. Building Trust: Weeks or months of daily communication, sharing “personal” details
  4. The Story: They cannot meet in person—they are overseas, in the military, on an oil rig, or caring for a sick relative
  5. The Crisis: An emergency arises requiring money—medical bills, travel costs, business problems, or legal issues
  6. Escalation: More crises, more requests, until the victim runs out of money or realizes the truth

Warning Signs: Red Flags to Watch For

Too Good to Be True

  • They are incredibly attractive, successful, and interested in you specifically
  • They fall in love extremely quickly
  • Everything they say is exactly what you want to hear
  • They have no flaws or disagreements with you

Cannot Meet in Person

  • Always has an excuse to avoid video calls or meeting
  • Claims to be overseas, deployed, or working remotely
  • Makes plans to visit but something always comes up
  • Video calls are brief, low quality, or they claim technical problems

Money Requests

  • Asks for money for any reason—this is always a scam
  • Requests wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
  • Asks you to receive money and forward it elsewhere
  • Suggests investment opportunities

Protecting Yourself

Before You Engage

  • Use reputable dating platforms with verification features
  • Keep personal information private until you know someone well
  • Be skeptical of profiles that seem too perfect

During the Relationship

  • Insist on video calls—and watch for signs of deepfakes (unnatural blinking, face not matching body movements, strange backgrounds)
  • Ask specific questions that require real knowledge
  • Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is
  • Talk to friends and family about new relationships

The Golden Rule

Never send money to someone you have not met in person. This rule has no exceptions. A real romantic partner will never ask you for money before meeting you face-to-face.

It Is Not Your Fault

If you have been targeted by a romance scam, please know that you did nothing wrong. These criminals are sophisticated manipulators who exploit basic human emotions. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, and business executives have all fallen victim.

The shame belongs to the scammer, not to you.

Resources and Support

Have “The Talk” with Your Loved Ones

If you have a parent, grandparent, or friend who is dating online, have a caring conversation about romance scams. Offer to be someone they can talk to about new relationships without judgment. Sometimes an outside perspective can spot red flags that loneliness obscures.

Read More: Latest Senior Fraud Alerts and Cases

Statistics source: FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report