Wondering how to spot fake profiles on dating apps? AI could help you

Scientists have developed new artificial intelligence (AI) based computing algorithms for dating apps and websites that 'think' like humans to pinpoint fake profiles designed to con victims out of thousands of pounds.

researchers led by University of Warwick in UK developed algorithms as part of wide-ranging research into combating online fraud.

new algorithms have been designed specifically to understand what fake dating profiles look like and n to apply this kwledge when y scan profiles submitted to online dating services.

y automatically look out for suspicious signs inadvertently included by fraudsters in demographic information, ims and self-descriptions that make up profiles, and reach an overall conclusion as to probability of each individual profile being fake.

When tested, algorithms produced a very low false-positive rate  -- number of genuine profiles mistakenly flagged up as fake -- of around one per cent.

"Online dating fraud is a very common, often unreported crime that causes huge distress and embarrassment for victims as well as financial loss," said Professor Tom Sorell of University of Warwick.

ALSO READ | Dos and Don'ts of online dating apps: Your chance to meet a perfect date

"Using AI techniques to help reveal suspicious activity could be a game-changer that makes detection and prevention quicker, easier and more effective, ensuring that people can use dating sites with much more confidence in future," Sorell said.

aim is w to furr enhance technique and enable it to start being taken up by dating services within next couple of years, helping m to prevent profiles being posted by scammers.

" news that se AI capabilities have potential to help thwart so-called 'rom-con' scams will be very welcome to millions of people who use online dating services in UK and worldwide," researchers said.

In se scams, fraudsters target users of dating websites and apps, 'groom' m and n ask for gifts of money or loans which will never be returned.

In 2017, over 3,000 Britons lost a total of 41 million pounds in such incidents, with an aver loss of 11,500 pounds, researchers said.