As more people form relationships through apps and social platforms, the sophistication of these deceptive methods is rising. Criminal groups now blend AI technology with familiar social-engineering tactics, creating convincing profiles that can operate across countries and languages. This shift is raising concerns about awareness, digital literacy and cross-border cooperation.
In a chat with Global South Pole, Dr. Abdoul-Aziz Maiga, an AI and cybersecurity researcher, noted that these scams often work because users are not fully aware of how advanced synthetic media has become. He stressed that improving digital education, strengthening regional collaboration and encouraging responsible platform practices will be essential to reduce the risks associated with AI-enhanced dating fraud.
“I think policymakers should pursue coordinated prevention, detection, remediation, and local research and development support. As I said, every country may have their different contexts. So, research and development can help to bring new solutions to try to mitigate those kinds of threats. We need to invest in digital literacy and large-scale public awareness, like even in the school curriculum, we can put it so that people can know […] Also strengthen, I'll say cross-border law, enforcement cooperation, resource cyber units […] Also require minimum verification and reporting standard for dating platform and fintech while safeguarding profits,” Dr. Maiga stressed.
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