Realistic photos, voices and videos trick victims
PETALING JAYA: While most dream of a fairy tale love story, the rise of artificial intelligence has given scammers yet another tool to sell victims an illusion before disappearing with their money.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa (pic) said the use of AI in love scams is a development that is viewed seriously by the police.
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“The CCID views this with serious concern, particularly technologies capable of generating realistic-looking images, voice recordings and videos that could potentially be used in love scams.
“Based on officially recorded statistics, love scam cases are not specifically classified according to the use of AI, deepfake technology, face-swapping technology or fake video calls.
“Therefore, the CCID is currently unable to provide specific figures on the use of such technologies in love scams.
“Nevertheless, the development of these technologies has undoubtedly increased the sophistication of scams with syndicates potentially using AI-generated images, manipulated video recordings or more realistic digital communications to overcome victims’ suspicions and convince them that the identities being used are genuine,” Comm Rusdi told The Star recently.
Among the newer concerns is the ability to generate complete avatars with AI without the need to steal existing photos from social media.
“These images can sometimes be identified through reverse image searches. If the image is entirely AI-generated, such checks may not produce any matches, potentially leading victims to believe that the identity is genuine,” he said.
While the methodologies become more sophisticated, the base modus operandi remains the same – gradually building a relationship, manipulating the victim’s emotions and gaining their trust before introducing financial-related excuses.
Comm Rusdi said a total of 3,302 cases were recorded between 2023 and June 2026, involving losses of RM161mil.
“We detained 2,216 people during the same period, of whom 1,402 have been charged in court.
“Statistics show fluctuations in the number of love scam cases. Following a decline in 2024, the number of cases increased again last year.
“This trend indicates that syndicates remain active and continue to adapt their approaches in line with developments in technology and the behaviour of digital platform users,” he said.
Syndicates continue to use social media, communication apps and dating platforms to approach victims.
“The main changes lie in the sophistication of the impersonation methods, the length of time spent building relationships, and the combination of love scams with other categories of fraud,” added Comm Rusdi.
Police studies have shown an increase in love scam tactics being used to transition into other types of fraud such as parcel scams.
“Certain syndicates have also combined love scams with non-existing investments, aka pig butchering scams where victims are persuaded to enter into investments to build their futures together,” he said.
Statistics have also showed that most victims were aged 41 to 50, with the age group making up 21.3% of recorded victims. Most victims were also women (73.7%) and those working in the private sector (46.6%).
“Syndicates tend to target individuals who have access to savings, a stable income or financial resources as well as those who may be experiencing loneliness or seeking relationships through online platforms.
“Younger people are not exempt, with a total of 614 victims aged between 21 and 30 recorded during the period,” he said.
Comm Rusdi also urged the public to remain vigilant, never share banking details and always be careful when asked for financial assistance.
“Identity verification should not rely solely on profile pictures, voice recordings or video calls. Victims should assess the overall pattern of communication, including the individual’s reluctance to meet in person, constantly changing excuses, and any requests involving money, investments, the delivery of goods or financial emergencies,” he said.
