Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the holiday season by using advanced AI tools like ChatGPT to trick unsuspecting shoppers. These scammers, both domestic and international, are using ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot, to craft messages that closely resemble human speech and lure consumers into their fraudulent schemes.
According to cybersecurity experts, these AI-generated spam messages have become increasingly sophisticated, making it difficult for consumers to differentiate between real deals and scams. Michael Bordash, Senior Vice President of Syniverse, a telecom company, explained that ChatGPT has become an invaluable tool for criminals, allowing them to create convincing campaigns without needing to be proficient in English.
One of the advantages of using AI tools like ChatGPT is that scammers can easily target victims in their native languages, making their attempts more effective. Additionally, these criminals can replicate their attacks more easily by instructing ChatGPT to generate multiple variants of a successful campaign.
Recognizing the rise of these AI-based scams, Syniverse uses AI to detect various types of fraudulent activities, including criminals pretending to be logistics companies and sending fake shipping messages to steal personal and banking information. It has become a battle of the bots, with Syniverse relying on similar tools to combat these scams and identify their sources.
Experts have pointed out that logistics supply scams are particularly common during the holiday season. Scammers often impersonate well-known shipping companies like UPS and the U.S. Postal Service, sending messages to consumers claiming that their packages are delayed and requesting personal information. These deceptive tactics aim to obtain the victims’ home addresses and credit card details under the guise of expedited delivery fees.
To protect yourself from these scams, it is essential to be vigilant. Look out for spelling errors, inconsistent URLs, and urgent demands for immediate action. Any communication that insists on an immediate response should be approached with caution. Take a moment to pause and consider the authenticity of the message before providing any personal information.
Fraudsters also create fraudulent ads on social media platforms, featuring images of popular products from reputable brands. These fake deals, designed to create a sense of urgency, often appear too good to be true. Sandro Okropiridze, CEO of branding app Stori, warns shoppers to be wary of ads that mimic genuine brands and lead to fake websites with unbelievable deals. These tactics are intended to exploit shoppers’ FOMO (fear of missing out) and rush them into making a purchase before realizing they have been scammed.
To minimize the risk of falling victim to scams, it is advisable to purchase items directly from the official websites of reputable brands rather than from third-party sellers. Doing so ensures that you are dealing with a trusted source and reduces the chances of encountering counterfeit goods or fraudulent transactions.
As the holiday shopping season ramps up, cybercriminals are poised to exploit consumers’ desire for deals and their increasing reliance on online shopping. By staying informed and adopting a cautious approach, shoppers can protect themselves from falling for scams and ensure a safer and more secure shopping experience.
Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert, double-check the authenticity of messages and websites, and keep your personal information secure to avoid falling victim to AI-powered scams.
