Would you know if the person behind a selfie was real?
For National Selfie Day, Crime Stoppers Victoria is challenging Victorians to test their skills with a collage of real and AI-generated images.
Artificial intelligence can now generate realistic faces, clone voices, and create convincing online identities, making it harder than ever to tell what is real.
But while the technology is evolving rapidly, the way these scams work has not.
Professor Monica Whitty says the tactic behind romance scams remains the same.
“The core of the scam is still about building trust quickly before making a request for money, investments or sensitive information,” Professor Whitty said.
Victims are often emotionally invested before they recognise warning signs, making it easier to overlook inconsistencies or dismiss concerns that would otherwise raise alarm.
The Warning Signs Haven’t Changed
Technology may have advanced, but the behaviours associated with romance scams remain consistent.
One of the earliest warning signs is when someone tries to move a conversation off a dating platform and onto a private messaging app. While not always a sign of a scam, it reduces platform oversight and makes it easier for offenders to isolate potential victims.
Other red flags can include:
- Escalating emotions unusually quickly
- Avoiding face-to-face meetings despite repeated opportunities
- Repeatedly declining or delaying live video calls
- Stories that contain inconsistencies or do not add up
- Requests for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or financial help
- Creating urgency through emergencies, travel problems, or investment opportunities
Professor Whitty said people don’t fall victim simply because an image is convincing.
More often, they become emotionally invested and begin overlooking warning signs.
How AI Is Changing the Scam
Detective Acting Inspector Carl Keenan from Victoria Police’s Cybercrime Squad said artificial intelligence is lowering the barrier for scammers.
Instead of stealing photos, offenders can now generate entirely new faces, making reverse image searches less effective. Voice cloning technology can replicate a person’s voice from a short audio sample, while AI-generated video continues to improve.
“People suppose they’d recognise an AI-generated voice and pick it up straight away. They may not,” Mr Keenan said.
Importantly, these scams are not limited to any one group.
“There is no certain demographic, these scams target everyone,” Detective Acting Inspector Keenan said.
Protecting Yourself Online
Victoria Police recommend independently verifying the identity of anyone you meet online before forming a relationship or becoming financially involved.
Practical steps include:
- Arranging a live or spontaneous video call
- Checking whether a profile appears consistently across multiple platforms
- Independently searching a person’s name, photos and claimed employer
- Asking a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion
If you are emotionally invested in an online relationship, an outside perspective can help identify risks that are easy to miss.
Scammers often rely on urgency and emotional pressure to push people into quick decisions. Taking time to verify information and talk through concerns can prevent serious financial loss.
People should also avoid sharing sensitive information online, including banking details, identification documents, one-time passcodes, and home addresses.
Most importantly, never send money to someone you have not met and verified in real life.
As AI tools become more sophisticated, experts say the underlying tactic has not changed. Build trust, then exploit it. Mr Keenan’s advice is to assume it’s a scam until proven otherwise.
“If something feels off, it’s okay to pause and walk away.”