Romance Scams in 2026 Use AI and Data Brokers to Target Victims

Romance scams in 2026 have evolved to incorporate artificial intelligence, personal data from brokers, and stolen profiles, according to recent reports from media, government agencies, and cybersecurity firms. These scams are increasingly aimed at individuals who are divorced, widowed, or returning to online dating platforms.

Scammers now deploy AI-generated faces, voices, and videos to create convincing digital identities. Automated scripts, sometimes called “scamware,” are used to tailor conversations to emotional triggers such as grief, loneliness, or financial stability, making the deception more effective.

Personal data such as age, marital status, and income are often acquired from data brokers. This information allows scammers to identify and target older adults who may be financially stable, increasing the likelihood of successful fraud attempts.

The FBI and Federal Trade Commission have stated that romance scams frequently involve fake identities and emotional manipulation. Victims are often asked to send money using wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, with requests escalating as trust is established.

What the numbers show

• Over 700 victims in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island lost about $20 million to romance scams in 2025, according to the FBI Boston Division
• McAfee blocked hundreds of thousands of romance-related malicious URLs between December 2025 and January 2026
• One in five British users encountered a fake profile or AI bot, and two in five were asked for money or financial details, McAfee reported

State regulators in Oregon have noted that romance scams now often involve digital assets and fraudulent trading platforms. Scammers use AI-generated voices and fake profiles to facilitate these schemes, making detection more challenging for victims and authorities.

Cybersecurity company McAfee reported a surge in AI dating bots that send numerous messages per hour. Their research also found that a substantial proportion of users in the UK encountered fake profiles or were asked to provide money or sensitive financial information during online interactions.

Experts recommend several protective steps, including removing personal information from broker databases, verifying online profiles through reverse image searches, and refraining from sending money to individuals not met in person. Using robust antivirus software is also advised to help prevent exposure to malicious links and scamware.

Industry reaction

The FBI has advised the public to slow down online relationships, verify the identities of contacts, and avoid sending money or cryptocurrency to individuals met online. The agency also encourages reporting suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has stated that the use of artificial intelligence and digital assets in romance scams is increasing, and has highlighted the importance of public awareness and vigilance in identifying fraudulent activity.

The FBI San Diego Field Office has described romance scams, also known as confidence fraud, as schemes where fake identities are used to build trust and then exploit victims for money or valuables. The agency continues to publish warnings and guidance to help prevent further losses.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.