Deepfakes Push Gen Z To Arranging In-Person Dates Online
AI-powered romance scams are fuelling a shift away from online dating among UK singles, with 56% of Gen Z now prioritizing in-person meetings over apps, according to new Barclays research released ahead of Valentine’s Day 2026.
The bank’s latest Scams Bulletin shows 67% of reported romance scams in 2025 originated on dating sites and social media platforms. Victims lost an average of £7,000 each, with many communicating with scammers for around seven months before money was requested. Overall, 18% of UK adults have been targeted by a romance scam or know someone who has, and 40% of those personally affected lost money.
Concerns about AI are widespread. 66% of adults believe AI tools make romance scams harder to detect, with 53% worried about voice or image impersonation. 44% lack confidence spotting voice cloning, and 41% struggle to identify fake images or videos – tactics scammers use to “catfish” convincingly. 62% of Gen Z fear having their own voice or image cloned for scams.
The generational divide is stark. 78% of Gen Z say AI advancements make scams harder to spot, compared to the national average, and 48% report changing their dating habits as a result – nearly double the 25% across all ages. 39% overall are now more reluctant to date online due to AI concerns.
Support for stronger platform intervention is overwhelming: 84% of UK adults want tech companies to do more to prevent scams at source. Suggested measures include warnings when a match asks for money (38%) and clear labels for AI-generated content (30%).Barclays Fraud & Scams Expert Kirsty Adams advised: “AI has raised the stakes in romance scams. Gen Z daters are returning to ‘old school’ in-person meetings. If you date online, watch for red flags—never send money to someone you haven’t met, and if anything feels off, stop, speak to someone you trust, and report it.”
Adams outlined her SAFE guidelines: Stay on the platform, Ask someone trusted, Flag money requests, and Exit safely/report suspicious activity.
