Scammers often target holiday shoppers by posing as retailers offering significant discounts to entice them into making gift purchases. Both domestic and international scammers now have a new tool called ChatGPT, an advanced artificial intelligence program that can mimic human conversation and perform various tasks.
Security experts warn that there has been a rise in sophisticated AI-generated spam messages, making it harder for consumers to differentiate between legitimate offers and fraudulent schemes. Scammers are enhancing their English writing abilities, leveraging tools like ChatGPT to communicate more effectively with potential victims in their native languages.
Michael Bordash, a senior executive at Syniverse, notes that scammers are leveraging ChatGPT to streamline their operations, even if they are not fluent in English. This technology enables scammers to tailor their campaigns to target individuals more effectively, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks.
Furthermore, scammers are utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to update and modify their strategies quickly, allowing them to launch multiple variations of a single scam. Syniverse employs similar AI technologies to detect and combat various scams, such as counterfeit product sales, fake shipping notifications, and phishing attempts aimed at obtaining sensitive banking information.
One prevalent scam tactic involves sending fraudulent emails or messages impersonating reputable logistics companies like UPS or the U.S. Postal Service. These messages prompt recipients to provide personal information under the guise of resolving a supposed shipping delay. By creating a sense of urgency, scammers trick individuals into divulging sensitive details, such as credit card information, to release a non-existent package.
To identify these scams, consumers are advised to scrutinize for spelling errors, mismatched URLs, and pressure-inducing language that demands immediate action. Additionally, individuals should exercise caution when encountering enticing advertisements on social media platforms offering unrealistically good deals from well-known brands. These deceptive ads aim to exploit consumers’ fear of missing out (FOMO) and lure them into fraudulent websites.
Saleem Alhabash, a marketing professor at Michigan State University, recommends purchasing directly from reputable sources rather than third-party vendors to reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams. By staying vigilant and verifying the authenticity of offers, consumers can safeguard themselves against holiday scams orchestrated by increasingly sophisticated fraudsters.
