Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how we live and work, making many aspects of life easier and more efficient. However, like any technology, AI has opened new avenues for scammers and fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting victims. With the increase and advancements in AI, it is crucial to be aware of the new scams out there.
Chatbots
One of the most common AI scams involves the use of chatbots. These are AI-powered computer programs that are designed to mimic human conversation. Scammers use chatbots to impersonate customer service agents or even friends or family members to steal personal information or money. They may ask for credit card details or login credentials and use this information to commit identity theft or financial fraud.
Deepfakes
Another common AI scam is the use of deepfake technology. Deepfakes are computer-generated images, videos or audio files designed to look and sound like real people. Scammers can use deepfakes to create fake social media profiles, impersonate celebrities or politicians, or create fake news stories. These can be used to spread disinformation, manipulate public opinion or even blackmail individuals. Addie Owens, CRS, who is a CRS instructor, recommends that you have a code word set with your family and friends so that if you receive a message that says they are in danger, you can decipher if it’s real or a scam.
Phishing
AI-powered phishing scams are also becoming more prevalent. Phishing is a type of cyberattack where scammers send emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or social media site, to trick people into giving away personal information or downloading malware. AI can make these messages more convincing by analyzing the target’s interests, habits and behavior to create personalized messages that are more likely to be opened and acted upon.
Investment scams
AI-powered investment scams are yet another growing concern. Scammers may use AI to analyze social media and news feeds for information about upcoming stocks or trends and then create fake investment opportunities that appear to be based on this analysis. They may use chatbots or other AI-powered tools to make these offers seem legitimate and convince victims to invest their money in a fake scheme.
To protect yourself, it’s important to be aware of the latest AI-powered scams and to be cautious when dealing with unsolicited messages or investment opportunities. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with new technologies.
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