Don't fall for these 5 AI scams! Here's how to protect yourself

All about Artificial intelligence

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, new types of scams and frauds that exploit this advanced technology are also emerging. From virtual assistants to sophisticated chatbots, AI is changing the way we interact with the digital world. However, this evolution brings with it new risks and threats that can put your financial security and personal data at risk.

Let’s take a look at five of the most common AI scams that are becoming increasingly common and provide valuable tips on how to protect yourself against these threats. With cyberattacks on the rise and scammers’ techniques becoming more sophisticated, it’s crucial to be well-informed and prepared to avoid falling into their traps. Read on to learn more about how these scams work and what steps you can take to stay safe in the digital world.

What is it: Phishing is a fraud technique where scammers try to trick victims into revealing personal information, such as passwords and banking details. With the use of AI, these scams have become more sophisticated.

How it works: AI is used to create emails and messages that mimic communications from legitimate companies. These emails can look very real, using logos and language that can fool even the most cautious users.

How to protect yourself:

• Check the sender: Always confirm that the email address is legitimate and that it corresponds to the company that supposedly sent the message.
• Be wary of links: Hover over links before clicking to check if the URL is safe.
• Use two-step authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your access.

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Deepfakes

What is it: Deepfakes are AI-manipulated videos or audio that can make it appear as if a person is saying or doing something that never happened.

How it works: Using advanced algorithms, scammers can create fake videos of public figures or even ordinary people to deceive or defame.

How to protect yourself:

• Check the source: Always look for the source of the video or audio and see if it was published on a reliable channel.
• Use verification tools: There are platforms that help identify deepfakes, such as Sensity AI.
• Be wary of sensationalist content: If something seems too good to be true, it's best to investigate further.

What is it: Cryptocurrency investment scams promise high and fast returns, often using AI to appear more convincing.

How it works: Scammers create platforms that supposedly use AI to predict the cryptocurrency market. They lure victims with promises of quick and easy profits.

How to protect yourself:

• Research before investing: Never invest in platforms you don't know. Check the reputation and reviews from other users.
• Be wary of promises of guaranteed returns: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use recognized platforms: Only invest in cryptocurrency exchanges that are well-established and regulated.

What is it: With online shopping on the rise, scammers are using AI to create fake websites that mimic legitimate stores.

How it works: These sites may appear to be legitimate and offer products at very low prices. After purchasing, the victim never receives the product, and the site disappears.

How to protect yourself:

• Check the URL: Make sure the site is secure (starting with “https”) and that the URL is correct.
• Read reviews: Look for reviews from other customers before making a purchase.
• Use secure payment methods: Choose credit cards or payment services that offer consumer protection.

What is it: These scams involve scammers posing as representatives of technology companies and offering technical support.

How it works: Using AI, scammers can generate automated calls or messages that appear to come from legitimate companies, requesting remote access to your computer.

How to protect yourself:

• Be wary of unexpected calls: Never give out personal information or allow remote access to people you don't know.
• Contact the company directly: If you receive a suspicious call, call the company's official number to verify its authenticity.
• Install security software: Use antivirus and firewalls to protect your computer against unauthorized access.

AI scams are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated. The best way to protect yourself is to stay alert and informed. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Remember: precaution is the best defense against fraud.