Firm Exposes Fleeceware Using ChatGPT | Lorenz S. Marasigan

Mobile users have been warned about a new scam involving ChatGPT-based fleeceware applications by cybersecurity firm Sophos. The apps, which allegedly use coercive tactics to overcharge users, are now using mobile assistant applications using artificial intelligence (AI). Sophos warns that the apps are masquerading as legitimate ChatGPT-based chatbots and are overcharging users. The apps, which have popped up in both the Google Play and Apple App Store, coerce users into signing up for a subscription that can cost hundreds of dollars a year. Sophos investigated five alleged fleeceware apps, all of which claimed to be based on ChatGPT’s algorithm. OpenAI, which was the platform for the development of ChatGPT, offers basic functionality of the AI solution to users for free. The supposed fleeceware apps were said to have charged users as low as $10 per month to $70 per year. Users are advised to follow the App or Google Play store’s guidelines on how to unsubscribe and to report apps to Apple and Google if they think the developers are using unethical means to profit.