Protecting Yourself from Scammers Using ChatGPT
Recent technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have created new security threats, including the use of ChatGPT by scammers and cybercriminals. ChatGPT is an AI model developed by OpenAI that can mimic human language and generate coherent and natural responses to text-based input. Fraudsters use ChatGPT to make their malware threats, phishing attempts, and fake profiles more convincing and interactive. Thus, it is essential to protect yourself from cybercriminals using ChatGPT to trick you into losing your money and personal information. Here are some tips to help you:
Potential Risks to Look Out For
- Phishing Scams: Scammers use ChatGPT to create believable phishing scams that mimic legitimate organizations like banks, social media companies, or government agencies. They send an unsolicited message to you via email or messaging app, then prompt you to click a link or provide personal information. The message appears legitimate since ChatGPT generates compelling messages modeled after content from actual banks, government agencies, or other organizations. However, clicking the link or providing personal information can lead to identity theft or financial loss.
- Impersonation Scams: Scammers can use AI-generated content to impersonate people like your boss, co-worker, or family member and convince you to provide sensitive information or transfer money. They generate an articulate and free-flowing conversation that appears to be from the person they are impersonating, making it challenging for you to detect the fraud.
- Malware and Viruses: Cybercriminals can use ChatGPT to spread malware and viruses. AI allows them to produce a conversation that appears to be from a legitimate source like a friend or colleague, then prompt you to click on a link or download a file. Once you click the link or download the file, your device can become infected with malware or viruses.
- ChatGPT Romance Scams: Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or social media platforms to establish romantic relationships with their victims. They then use this relationship to gain your trust and eventually convince you to send money or provide personal information.
- Purchasing Scams: Scammers trick you into buying fake goods by creating a conversation that appears to be from a legitimate seller. They then convince you to purchase products or services and trick you into a digital funds transfer. However, the goods are either fake or do not exist, so the money you pay can be a permanent loss.
How to Protect Yourself from Cybercriminals Using ChatGPT
Here are some tips to help you avoid being scammed:
- Be Cautious of Unsolicited Messages: Use extreme caution if you receive a message from someone you don’t know. Don’t click on included links or provide requested personal information. Contact them directly to confirm its authenticity if the message appears from a legitimate organization, such as a bank or government agency.
- Verify the Identity of the Person You’re Chatting With: Verify the identity of the person you’re chatting with online, especially if they’re asking for personal information or money. Ask for their contact information, like their business email address or phone number, and confirm it’s legit. If possible, communicate with them through a secure and verified messaging platform rather than an unsecured platform.
- Scrutinize Text: AI written text often uses the same words repeatedly and includes short sentences with unimaginative language and no idioms or contractions. Content may include questionable statements. If something seems off, trust your gut.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication for Your Online Accounts: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring an additional code to log in, usually sent to your phone. This makes it more difficult for scammers to access your accounts even if they manage to steal your password.
- Use a Password Manager to Generate and Store Strong Passwords: Using a password manager generates and stores strong passwords for your online accounts, making it more difficult for scammers to gain access. Avoid using the same password for everything.
- Be Cautious When Downloading Files or Clicking on Links: Use care, especially if files or links come from an unknown source. Scammers can use ChatGPT to generate convincing messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a friend or colleague. Verify the source before clicking on any links or downloading any files.
- Use Caution When Talking to Strangers: Be cautious when engaging with people online, especially those who seem too good to be true. Be wary of anyone asking for money or personal information, especially if you’ve never met them. Watch out for anyone who refuses to video chat or meet in person because this could be a sign that they are not who they claim to be.
- Educate Yourself on the Latest Scams and Fraud Tactics: Educate yourself so that you can recognize fraud and protect yourself. Look up the latest scams and read reports on how others have been targeted by using BBB Scam Tracker.
Scammers and cybercriminals are using ChatGPT to trick people into giving away their personal information and money. However, being cautious can protect yourself and your data, even from AI-generated threats. Learn more about protecting yourself against cybersecurity threats at BBB.org/Cybersecurity.
