Monday 16th February 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

New research suggests that more than one in four people have either been targeted themselves—or know someone who has—by an AI chatbot pretending to be a real person on a dating app or social media. These chatbots aren’t looking for love. They’re being used by scammers who want your money or your personal information.

Today’s AI tools can hold remarkably convincing conversations. They can chat, call, and even appear on video using ultra‑realistic deepfake technology. When you’ve never met your “date” in person, it can be almost impossible to tell whether you’re talking to a genuine match or a sophisticated fake.

Source: McAfee, February 2025

How to Protect Yourself

Even without AI in the mix, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a new connection. Whether you’re new to online dating or a seasoned swiper, taking a few precautions can make all the difference.

Top Tips for Safe Online Dating:

- Choose a reputable dating platform. Check independent reviews and ask friends which apps they trust.

- Keep conversations on the platform. If someone tries to move you to text, email or another app too quickly, be cautious.

- Use strong, unique passwords. Different login details for each site help protect your profile from hackers.

- Take your time. Stay grounded, ask questions and don’t let anyone rush you into a deeper relationship.

- Do your homework. Search their name, photos or repeated phrases alongside terms like “romance scam” or “catfish”. Tools like Ask Silver in our Self‑Help Tool Centre can help you spot suspicious messages.

- Use AI‑detection tools. Free online checkers can help identify deepfake audio, video or other AI‑generated content.

- Be wary of intense affection early on. Love‑bombing and dramatic personal stories are common scam tactics.

- Never send money or financial details. No matter how convincing the story, don’t share bank information, passwords or payments with someone you’ve only met online.

- Protect your personal details. Hold back your full name, date of birth, address and family information until you’re confident it’s safe.

- Avoid sending intimate images. Once shared, you lose control of them—and risk sextortion or other serious consequences.

- Watch for isolation tactics. If someone urges you not to talk about them with friends or family, that’s a major red flag. Block and move on.

- Plan ahead for in‑person meetings. Tell someone you trust where you’re going, arrange your own travel, meet in a public place and keep your phone charged. A pre‑planned check‑in call can give you an easy exit if needed.

If Something Goes Wrong:

If you think you’ve been a victim of romance fraud, report it straight away at www.reportfraud.police.uk` or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101. Also report the scammer to the dating site or app, and notify your bank immediately if you’ve lost money. Any assault or coercive behaviour should be reported to the police.

For more free, practical advice on staying safe while dating online, visit getsafeonline.org, select “Protecting Yourself”, then choose “Safe Online Dating”.