Beware of Scammers: Malicious ChatGPT Dupes Target User Accounts
The rise of AI technology has revolutionized our daily lives, with tools like ChatGPT becoming increasingly popular. People are relying on AI to enhance their resumes and write thank-you notes. Unfortunately, with the growing popularity of ChatGPT comes the inevitable surge in scammers who prey on unsuspecting individuals. These scammers create their own AI programs, offering them for free to those who don’t want to pay the monthly fee for ChatGPT 4, while targeting sensitive information and social media accounts.
However, it’s important to note that not all ChatGPT-like tools are scams. There are several third-party tools created by entities other than OpenAI that are both helpful and safe. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to exercise caution when downloading these tools and fully understand the potential risks beforehand.
In May, Meta published a comprehensive report revealing how hackers exploit browser extensions, ads, and various social media platforms to deceive people into downloading malware disguised as ChatGPT software. Some of these scams even offer functionalities similar to ChatGPT. Once installed, these malicious programs steal users’ cookies, saved usernames, passwords, and ultimately compromise their online personal accounts such as Facebook, Gmail, and Outlook. Guardio Labs, a cybersecurity firm, also discovered a malicious Google Chrome extension that impersonates an official ChatGPT extension and steals social media credentials.
According to Meta’s report, over 1,000 unique malicious URLs related to ChatGPT were discovered and blocked during their research. When these hackers found their URLs blocked, they shifted their focus to other smaller services like Buy Me a Coffee, a platform used by creators to receive support from their audiences. By enticing users with the promise of gifting ChatGPT 4, they tricked individuals into downloading malware.
Once a malicious ChatGPT duplicate is downloaded, such as a Google Chrome extension that uses AI to search highlighted keywords on your browser, it also installs malware designed to extract stored passwords and cookie session information from your browsing history and activity. With access to your login information, bad actors can misuse your accounts as they see fit.
Scammers are continuously evolving their methods and tools to bypass security protocols, making it difficult to identify which plugins or extensions are safe. However, there are steps you can take to stay protected.
The AI landscape is still relatively new, making it challenging to distinguish between promising AI third-party tools and malicious ones. To ensure your safety, it is advisable to conduct thorough research before downloading any tool that is not from the official ChatGPT or OpenAI website. Alternatively, Bing offers a reliable, free, and secure alternative to ChatGPT.
If you are determined to use an unofficial third-party plugin or extension, carefully examine the developer’s webpage and user reviews to gauge the experiences of others. OpenAI also supports safe third-party plugins.
Remember that there is currently no official mobile or desktop app for ChatGPT. If you come across an ad, online search result, Facebook page, or website claiming otherwise, it is highly likely to be a scam.
By adhering to these precautions and exercising vigilance, you can safeguard yourself against falling victim to scammers. Stay informed, stay cautious, and protect your online presence.
