# Seeking.com Uses AI to Combat Scams, Boosts User Trust _Seeking.com uses AI to detect 90% of scammers pre-message. Founders should note the potential for increased user trust and platform credibility._ Source: https://highintentmedia.com/news/seeking-blocks-scammers-on-platform Author: High Intent Newsroom Published: 2026-08-31T07:14:30+00:00 Last updated: 2026-08-31T07:56:27.742647+00:00 Category: Platforms ## Summary Seeking.com uses AI to detect over 90% of scammers before they message users, a significant step in fraud prevention. They also publicly display images of fraudulent accounts. For operators, this shows how AI can proactively combat the growing romance scam crisis and highlights a new, transparent approach to trust and safety that balances user protection with potential privacy concerns. ## Key takeaways - AI can proactively stop over 90% of scam attempts before user contact. - Publicly displaying fraudulent accounts is a transparent, but controversial, prevention tactic. - Romance scams cost over $1.16 billion in nine months of 2025, requiring better platform defense. - Effective fraud prevention needs tech, industry collaboration, and user education. - Scammers use sophisticated tactics, requiring platforms to constantly update detection methods. ## FAQ ### How effective is Seeking.com's AI at detecting scammers? Seeking.com's AI-assisted verification system identifies more than 90% of attempted scammers before they send messages. This proactive approach aims to stop fraud before victims can be contacted, rather than relying solely on user reports after damage has occurred. Machine learning algorithms continuously evolve, adapting to new scam tactics. ### What is the financial impact of romance scams on dating platforms? The Federal Trade Commission reported over $1.16 billion in losses from romance scams in the first nine months of 2025. These figures represent only reported cases, suggesting the true financial impact may be significantly higher. This growing crisis pressures platforms to implement more robust verification systems. ### How does Seeking.com's fraud prevention differ from traditional methods? Seeking.com publicly displays images of accounts identified as fraudulent, marking a shift toward more transparent fraud prevention. Traditionally, dating platforms handled fraud prevention behind the scenes, quietly removing suspicious accounts without public disclosure. This new approach aims to deter scammers and build user confidence, but raises questions about false positives. ### What data points does the AI use to identify potential scammers? The AI analyzes multiple data points, including profile information, photos, behavior patterns, and communication attempts. It identifies inconsistencies in profile details, recognizes previously banned users attempting to return, and detects suspicious photo usage. This multilayered approach creates numerous barriers for potential scammers to overcome. ### What is the industry's role in combating romance scams? Dating platforms face growing pressure to implement more robust verification systems and share information about fraud trends. Industry-wide collaboration may become necessary to effectively combat scammers who operate across multiple platforms simultaneously. User education is also a critical component that technology alone cannot address. - The Federal Trade Commission reports over $1.16 billion in losses from romance scams in the first nine months of 2025 - Seeking.com's AI-assisted verification system identifies more than 90% of attempted scammers before they send messages - The platform has begun publicly displaying images of accounts identified as fraudulent - This marks a shift toward more transparent fraud prevention measures on dating platforms Romance scams continue to drain billions from unsuspecting victims, creating an urgent need for more effective prevention measures on dating platforms. Seeking.com is responding to this challenge with an AI-powered verification system and a controversial decision to publicly expose suspected scammer accounts. The approach represents a new frontier in balancing user safety with transparency in online dating. ## The Growing Crisis of Romance Scams Romance scams remain a persistent problem for dating platforms, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting more than $1.16 billion in reported losses during the first nine months of 2025. These figures represent only reported cases, suggesting the true financial impact may be significantly higher. The emotional toll on victims extends far beyond monetary losses, often leaving lasting psychological damage. Person using smartphone for online dating Dating platforms have traditionally handled fraud prevention behind the scenes, quietly removing suspicious accounts without public disclosure. This approach protected user privacy but provided little transparency about the scale of the problem. The shift toward more visible enforcement represents a significant departure from industry norms. Scammers have grown increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, using stolen photos and carefully crafted personas to build trust with potential victims. Many operate as part of organized networks, sharing strategies and target lists across multiple platforms. The professionalization of romance fraud has made detection more challenging for both users and platforms. ## AI-Powered Detection and Prevention According to the company, the system identifies more than 90% of attempted scammers before they send a message. This proactive approach aims to stop fraud before victims can be contacted, rather than relying solely on user reports after damage has occurred. The AI analyzes multiple data points including profile information, photos, behavior patterns, and communication attempts. > The system identifies more than 90% of attempted scammers before they send a message, marking a significant advancement in proactive fraud prevention. Machine learning algorithms continuously evolve as new scam tactics emerge, adapting to changing patterns in fraudulent behavior. The technology can flag inconsistencies in profile details, recognize previously banned users attempting to return, and identify suspicious photo usage. This multilayered approach creates numerous barriers for potential scammers to overcome. AI technology and verification systems ## The Controversial Public Exposure Strategy Seeking has also chosen to publicly display images of accounts it says were identified as fraudulent, rather than keeping those cases entirely within its trust and safety systems. This transparency initiative aims to demonstrate the platform's commitment to user safety while potentially deterring future scammers. However, the practice raises questions about false positives and the rights of individuals whose images may have been stolen by scammers. The public display of suspected fraudulent accounts differs significantly from traditional content moderation practices in the online dating industry. Critics argue this approach could inadvertently harm innocent people whose photos were used without permission by scammers. Supporters counter that increased transparency helps users understand the threats they face and builds confidence in the platform's security measures. > Public disclosure of suspected fraudulent accounts represents a bold departure from traditional behind-the-scenes moderation practices in online dating. The strategy also serves as a warning to potential bad actors that their attempts will be documented and exposed. Whether this deterrent effect outweighs the potential risks remains a subject of debate among privacy advocates and security experts. The long-term impact of this transparency approach will likely influence how other platforms handle similar situations. Online security and privacy protection ## Industry Implications and Future Directions The billion-dollar scale of romance scam losses has prompted increased scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. Dating platforms face growing pressure to implement more robust verification systems and share information about fraud trends. Industry-wide collaboration may become necessary to effectively combat scammers who operate across multiple platforms simultaneously. Technology continues to advance on both sides of the security equation, with scammers adopting AI tools to create more convincing fake profiles and communications. This arms race between fraud prevention and fraud execution will likely intensify as artificial intelligence becomes more accessible and sophisticated. Platforms must continuously update their detection methods to stay ahead of evolving threats. User education remains a critical component of fraud prevention that technology alone cannot address. Many victims ignore red flags or override their suspicions when emotionally invested in a connection. Combining technical safeguards with clear communication about common scam tactics offers the most comprehensive protection strategy. Read the full story on Vice. ### Key Takeaways - AI-powered verification systems can prevent the majority of romance scam attempts before contact occurs, but platforms must balance automated detection with human oversight to minimize false positives - Transparency in fraud prevention builds user trust, though public exposure of suspected accounts raises ethical questions about protecting innocent victims of photo theft - Effective protection against romance scams requires a combination of advanced technology, industry collaboration, regulatory oversight, and ongoing user education about common fraud tactics ## Sources - [Read the full story on Vice](https://www.vice.com/en/via/seeking-dating-scammer-verification/), Vice Published by High Intent (High Intent Media Inc). Citation permitted with a link to the source URL above.