Finding a partner through a matrimonial platform has long been built on trust. However, that trust is increasingly being exploited by cybercriminals using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake identities that are difficult to detect.
How AI Makes Scams Harder to Detect
Cybersecurity experts report that fraudsters are no longer relying solely on stolen photographs or fabricated profiles. AI tools now enable them to generate realistic faces, manipulate voice and video interactions, forge identity documents, and maintain natural conversations for weeks, making fake profiles appear authentic.
Victims often realize they have been deceived only after being persuaded to transfer money or invest in fraudulent schemes. According to identity verification firm Bureau, India ranks third globally for new romance scam profiles, accounting for 12% of such profiles worldwide.
Investigations by police in different states suggest that matrimonial platforms are increasingly used to identify financially stable targets before scammers introduce fake investment opportunities or requests for financial assistance.
Trust Becomes the Biggest Weapon
Unlike traditional online fraud, these scams are rarely rushed. Fraudsters invest time in building relationships, speaking regularly, sharing stories about work and family, and creating an emotional connection before discussing money. By the time an investment opportunity or emergency request surfaces, many victims have already lowered their guard.
Experts note that generative AI has significantly reduced the effort required to run such operations. A single network can create multiple believable identities, personalize conversations, and even simulate video interactions, allowing scammers to target several people simultaneously.
Verification Is the Strongest Defense
Cybersecurity experts have found that the increasing use of artificial identities has questioned the validity of traditional verification methods. Relying on photos, identity documents, and even video calls to validate a person’s identity is no longer enough.
Individuals are advised to independently verify information, involve family members before making any decision, and proceed with caution if the other party quickly moves the discussion to a private chat application or talks about investments. Financial requests or demands for gifts and monetary assistance are strong indicators of fraud.
Experts further suggest that matrimonial sites should use AI for identity verification—employing liveness detection, behavioral analytics, and device intelligence—to help curb the problem.