We asked experts how manipulated, deceptive, and synthetic media were being weaponized to defraud victims in romance scams online:
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“At Bumble, we want everyone to connect safely and authentically. We have robust systems and policies to protect our members, especially women, who are disproportionately impacted by manipulated media and deep fakes. This harmful technology can lead to a loss of autonomy and trust, or even a withdrawal from online spaces. That’s why we’re committed to putting safety at the core of all our operations.”
– Azmina Dhrodia, Safety Policy Lead at Bumble Inc.
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“Fake images and pictures are the first point of touch for potential scam victims. Dating sites and social platforms showcase images first which attracts the victim. The victim reaches out, and then the scammers are able to lure them in via various persuasion tactics. It is extremely important to be able to know a picture is fake, altered or manipulated,”
– Chelsea King, Editor in Chief at RomanceScams.org
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“Unfortunately, we are regularly contacted by victims of romance scams. People who are looking to make a romantic connection are relying on pictures and video chats for visual cues to confirm they are entering into a relationship with a real person. Scammers use fake imagery to convince their victims to give up their money and compromise their identity by convincing their victims to share login information, driver’s license information, and/or their Social Security number. The victim is then left without a relationship, having given up significant amounts of money, and now is at increased risk for identity theft.”
– Mona Terry, Chief Victims Officer at ITRC
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