Bumble Unveils AI Tool to Detect and Block Scam Accounts and Fake Profiles

Bumble has unveiled an innovative new feature designed to combat spam, scams, and fake profiles on its platform. The AI-driven tool, named Deception Detector, aims to filter out malicious content before users even encounter it.

During testing, Bumble demonstrated remarkable effectiveness: the Deception Detector automatically blocked 95% of accounts identified as spam or scams. In the first two months of implementing the tool, Bumble reported a significant 45% decrease in user reports related to spam, scams, and fake profiles. This feature works in tandem with Bumble’s dedicated human moderation team.

The introduction of Deception Detector aligns with Bumble's internal research indicating that fake profiles and potential scams top the list of user concerns in online dating. Notably, 46% of women reported feeling anxious about the authenticity of matches on dating platforms.

Bumble CEO Lidiane Jones commented, "Bumble Inc. was founded to promote equitable relationships and empower women to take the initiative. Deception Detector represents our ongoing commitment to our community, ensuring genuine connections made through our app." She further emphasized that in today’s AI-driven landscape, trust has never been more crucial.

Last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revealed that romance scams cost victims a staggering $1.3 billion in 2022, with a median loss of $4,400. While many scammers target users on dating apps, DMs on social media are the most common avenue for initial contact. For example, 40% of romance scam victims reported that their contacts originated on social media, while 19% experienced scams that started on dating websites or apps.

Deception Detector is Bumble's latest AI enhancement aimed at bolstering user safety. Previously, in 2019, Bumble launched the Private Detector, which automatically blurs nude images in chats, giving users the option to either view the image or report the user.

Moreover, Bumble is incorporating AI features into Bumble For Friends, its dedicated platform for making friends. The app has introduced AI-generated icebreaker suggestions, helping users craft engaging first messages based on the profiles of potential friends. Users can modify these AI-generated questions or request alternatives, though only one suggestion can be used per chat.

This ongoing commitment to user safety and genuine interaction clearly positions Bumble as a leader in the online dating space, utilizing AI technology for enhancing the user experience.