AI and Deepfake Scams
AI Romance Scam
AI Romance Scam explained in plain English: what to watch for, what to do, and how to practice safely.
Example message
I made this voice note just for you. I need help with a temporary money problem.
What it is
AI Romance Scam is a ai and deepfake scams scheme where an ordinary message, call, email, or chat is shaped into an urgent request. It is designed to make you act before checking the source.
How it works
The scam usually starts with a believable prompt such as: “I made this voice note just for you. I need help with a temporary money problem.” From there, the person is pushed toward a link, payment, code, document, or conversation before they can verify the request independently.
Red flags
- Familiar voice or polished message
- Urgent money or data request
- Cannot verify through normal channel
- Secrecy or unusual timing
What to do
- Do not use the link, phone number, or payment instruction from the message.
- Slow down, verify identity, and do not send money to someone you have not met.
- If you entered information or sent money, contact your bank or account provider immediately and save screenshots.
If it already happened
- Stop communicating with the sender.
- Do not send more money or codes.
- Contact the real company, bank, platform, or agency through an official channel.
- Save the message, number, email, and screenshots.
Prevention tips
- Save official websites and app links instead of trusting message links.
- Pause when a request adds urgency, secrecy, or an unusual payment step.
- Slow down, verify identity, and do not send money to someone you have not met.
- Practice the related eSafe Academy training before a real message arrives.
Related scam guides
Practice safely
Try the matching training scenario
Every guide ends with practice. Use the eSafe Academy training flow to rehearse the safe response before a real message arrives.