HOUSTON – Criminals are using AI-generated photos, fake videos, and cloned voices to target women online — and experts say the warning signs can be easy to miss.
What starts as a simple text message, friend request, or online romance can quickly turn into financial fraud.
Investigators say scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create fake online identities that appear more realistic than ever. The schemes often target women through dating apps and social media platforms, using AI-generated photos, videos, and even cloned voices to build trust and manipulate victims emotionally.
In some cases, women have lost tens of thousands of dollars before realizing the person they were communicating with never actually existed.
Experts say many scammers attempt to move relationships forward quickly while avoiding live video calls or in-person meetings. They may also create fake emergencies to pressure victims into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
The Better Business Bureau says there are several warning signs people should watch for.
“If you’re on a dating site, for instance, and you see someone’s photos, you can do an independent verification of your own,” said Leah Napoliello, VP of Investigations BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas. “You can do a reverse image search and see if that photo appears on any other sites under a different person’s name.”
Napoliello also warned people not to automatically trust everything they see online.
“Sometimes with AI images or videos, there may be blurry areas or odd shadowing or lighting,” she said. “You want to look very carefully and pause and examine everything thoroughly.”
Experts recommend never sending money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or banking information to someone you have not met and verified in real life.
They also encourage people to:
- Keep social media accounts private when possible
- Limit personal information shared online
- Use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication on banking and social media accounts
- Set up fraud alerts through banks or credit card companies
Investigators say talking openly about scams with friends and family can also help others recognize the warning signs before becoming victims.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted should stop all communication immediately, change passwords, contact their bank, and report the incident to the FTC or FBI.
Authorities say one of the most important safety tools is trusting your instincts. If something feels suspicious online, experts recommend stopping and verifying before responding.
To file an FTC complaint online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to report scams, fraud, or unfair business practices. The process is fast, helps law enforcement detect patterns, and can be done anonymously. You can also report identity theft specifically at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)