Romance scams are among the top three costliest frauds in Canada, stealing over $58 million in 2024. Now, criminals are using deepfake technology and AI advancements to fool star-crossed lovers. David Maimon, a professor at Georgia State University and head of Fraud Insights, joins Big [If True] to break down how these scams operate, who is behind them, and the red flags you need to watch for.
Scammers prey on vulnerability through social media, dating platforms, and even video calls. With deepfake videos and AI-generated messages, fraudsters create convincing identities, manipulating victims emotionally and financially. Learn how to identify warning signs, protect yourself, and prevent others from being deceived.
00:00 Introduction & Rise of AI Romance Scams
00:21 Who Are the Yahoo Boys?
00:53 Is It Just Nigeria? Global Fraud Networks Explained
01:26 How Are They So Good? Advanced Tech & Luring Tactics
02:27 Canadian Victim Example & Identifying Deepfakes
03:53 Common Red Flags to Watch For
05:01 What’s the Two-Phone Trick? Unmasking Scam Methods
06:27 Who Do They Target?
About Big [If True] Big [If True] tackles the rising threat of misinformation and disinformation. Hosted by award-winning journalist Molly Thomas, this bold, new show uncovers why we fall for falsehoods and how to fight back.
Unpacking misinformation, scams and internet culture stories from all over the world, every week. Stay tuned for more Reality Check segments to keep you informed and in the know!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLijsUERfH6IlLXfPdlND2TbuSnY_h65fK
Dive into the facts with Deep Dive – short explainers on the misleading narratives that (might) shape our everyday lives.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLijsUERfH6IkKjLT9LVwXkxAbtHTcqMUg
Big [If True] Panel Discussions! Experts discuss misinformation, disinformation, scams, hoaxes, and conspiracy theories and explore why they spread so easily.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLijsUERfH6Ik9mSrH5VOdovbR1vIgY_rS
Learn how journalists uncover and debunk bad information online—and get tips on how to protect yourself in our “Wait, What?” segments.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLijsUERfH6IkiXKk66CTxBELHnX3utFow
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigiftruetvo/
Subscribe to TVO Today on YouTube: YouTube.com/@tvotoday
See full episodes of Big [If True] on TVO: https://www.tvo.org/big-if-true
Subscribe to TVO Media Education Group newsletters: https://www.tvo.org/newsletters
Get the TVO Today app:
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/tvo-today/id1616182112
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.tvo.tvomediaapp&pli=1
#RomanceScams #OnlineFraud #CyberSecurity
source
