AI-Powered Scam Network Uncovered
Security researchers and Anthropic have uncovered a network of approximately 28 dating apps that defrauded users using autonomous AI personalities and gig workers.
Following investigations by security researchers, a massive scam network consisting of about 28 dating apps has been identified, which directed users to purchase messaging tokens through autonomous AI profiles and paid workers.
Details of the AI-Powered Scam Network
Security researcher Matthew “Zigula” Gore-Kormanik conducted investigations into a fake dating app named Dora. Anthropic threat intelligence researcher Chris Cronbaugh shared the details of this network with the public at the Sleuthcon cybersecurity conference.
Hundreds of Thousands of Automated Requests Sent Daily
It was revealed that a prepaid account on Claude generated over 100,000 API requests per day to run autonomous AI personalities across approximately 28 dating apps.
Human-Looking AI Profiles
The vast majority of matches on these apps do not involve a real human. Mostly male users in their mid-thirties interact with AI profiles while believing they are talking to real people.
Gig Workers and Fake Interactions
In only about a quarter of the matches, paid gig workers hired to pass liveness checks or follow social media accounts are involved. Backend systems generate fake likes, visitors, and recorded videos.
Revenue Generated Through Token and Diamond Sales
Unlike traditional fraud methods, the app itself serves directly as a trap. Systems require users to purchase tokens or diamonds with real money in order to continue chatting with machines.
Multiple AI Providers Used
While conversation-based personalities were powered by Claude, a smaller model handled short response suggestions, facial attractiveness scores, and moderation processes. Avatar images were generated using an image editing model.
Removal Process from App Stores
Apps linked to the network such as Dora, GraceChat, Jovia, Luma, Romi, Doni, Kira, Nalo, and Eterna were identified. Following the transmission of the findings to Google and Apple, some of these apps were removed from the stores.