AI-powered virtual partners enable scams and data breaches in Latin America
Cybercriminals are reportedly using AI-powered virtual partner platforms with fake chatbots and phishing to commit large-scale romantic fraud and data theft across Latin America. Trust in these systems manipulates users into sharing sensitive information and financial details.
What happened
AI-powered virtual partners have become tools for cybercriminals in Latin America. According to Kaspersky, criminals develop fake virtual partner platforms supported by chatbots and phishing sites designed to execute romantic fraud at scale.
Unlike legitimate systems, these false AI-powered "partners" are designed to perform automated fraud. The trust users place in these systems influences their decisions to share sensitive information and their vulnerability to cyber threats.
Reported impact
The rise of AI virtual partners has increased exposure to romantic scams, data breaches, and emotional manipulation in the region. Cybercriminals exploit user trust to access personal information and financial data.
Index analysis
According to Kaspersky research, 43% of Latin Americans believe people will have virtual partners instead of real relationships in the future, and 12% of users in the region have already had a relationship with an AI-powered virtual companion. In Mexico specifically, 42% of citizens think virtual partners could replace human relationships, and 13% have had such relationships.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.