How Scammers Are Using AI to Target Victims: Common Tactics and Protective Measures
Estimated 6 minute read
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1. AI-Generated Phishing Emails
2. Deepfake Technology for Fraudulent Calls and Videos
3. AI-Driven Social Media Scams
4. Ransomware and AI-Powered Malware
5. AI-Powered Text Scams (Smishing)
How Scams Are Created and Who They Target
Introduction
Yes, we can agree that the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about countless positive innovations. However, like many technologies, AI can be a double-edged sword. While it can, and will, yield huge positive benefits for humankind, it also serves as a powerful tool for scammers looking to target unsuspecting individuals. In this article we explore how scammers are currently using AI, the formats these scams often take, who they typically target, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling victim.
1. AI-Generated Phishing Emails
Overview: One of the most common and effective tactics used by scammers involves AI-generated phishing emails. Unlike traditional phishing attempts, these emails are more sophisticated and convincing, thanks to natural language processing (NLP) models such as OpenAI's GPT. They can simulate the tone, language, and structure of legitimate communication from trusted companies or individuals.
Real-Life Example: In 2023, reports surfaced of scammers using AI to impersonate well-known brands and send tailored phishing emails that tricked recipients into sharing sensitive data, such as login credentials and credit card numbers. These emails often bypass basic spam filters due to their realistic language and formatting.
How to Protect Yourself:
Verify sender information: Double-check the sender's email address for subtle typos or inconsistencies.
Be cautious with links: Hover over links before clicking to see where they actually lead.
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Even if your login credentials are compromised, MFA can add an extra layer of security and nowadays most apps will offer this option.
2. Deepfake Technology for Fraudulent Calls and Videos
Overview: Deepfake technology, which uses AI to create hyper-realistic but fake images and videos, has made scam calls and video fraud increasingly believable. Scammers can use AI-powered voice replication to impersonate a victim’s family member or a company executive, urging the victim to make urgent financial transactions.
Real-Life Example: In 2023, a prominent CEO was tricked into wiring nearly $250,000 after scammers used deepfake audio to mimic the voice of a company executive requesting an emergency transfer. The convincing audio left little room for suspicion.
How to Protect Yourself:
Authenticate requests: Always confirm any financial request, especially if it's urgent, through multiple communication channels.
Educate staff and family members: Ensure that those around you are aware of this tactic and know not to act hastily.
Utilize verification tools: Use software designed to detect deepfakes to protect against highly advanced scams.
3. AI-Driven Social Media Scams
Overview: AI bots can, and often do at scale, create convincing social media profiles that mimic real users or well-known influencers. These bots engage with potential victims by commenting, liking posts, and sending direct messages that appear genuine. This strategy builds trust, which scammers then leverage to promote fake investment opportunities, phishing links, or fraudulent giveaways.
Real-Life Example: During the cryptocurrency boom, scammers used AI-generated profiles to lure victims into fake investment schemes, often with promises of high returns. The bots' interactions gave victims a false sense of security before being duped out of thousands of dollars.
How to Protect Yourself:
Verify accounts: Check for the blue verification badge or reach out to the individual through known, official channels.
Look for inconsistencies: AI-generated profiles may have subtle inconsistencies in their history or interactions.
Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers: Avoid offers that promise significant rewards with little risk or investment.
4. Ransomware and AI-Powered Malware
Overview: Scammers also use AI to enhance traditional malware, making it more adaptive and difficult to detect. AI-powered ransomware can learn user behaviour, target specific files, and change its tactics to avoid security measures. This sophistication makes ransomware more threatening, as it can lock victims out of critical systems or threaten to release sensitive information.
Real-Life Example: In 2024, a small business fell victim to an AI-enhanced ransomware attack that adapted based on their security protocols. The malware learned when the security software was least active and attacked during those periods, encrypting sensitive data and demanding a significant ransom.
How to Protect Yourself:
Regular updates and patches: Keep all software and security systems up to date to minimize vulnerabilities.
Back up data: Ensure important files are backed up in secure, offline storage.
Educate employees: Staff should be trained to recognize suspicious emails or downloads that could contain malware.
5. AI-Powered Text Scams (Smishing)
Overview: Text message phishing, or "smishing," has been taken to a new level with AI tools. These scams are designed to look like legitimate communications from banks, service providers, or government agencies. AI can generate personalized messages based on data gleaned from social media or public records, making them highly convincing.
Real-Life Example: In a recent case, scammers used AI to send out thousands of targeted texts warning recipients that their bank accounts had been compromised. The messages included links that led to fake banking portals designed to harvest login details.
How to Protect Yourself:
Avoid clicking on links in texts: If you receive an unexpected message, go directly to the company's official website or app.
Enable spam filters: Use your mobile carrier’s spam filter service to block unwanted texts.
Report suspicious messages: Notify your bank or service provider if you suspect a scam.
How Scams Are Created and Who They Target
Scams are often generated using AI tools that can mine publicly available data, replicate human behaviour, and adapt to different scenarios. These scams target individuals of all demographics but are especially effective against those who may be less tech-savvy or unaware of how advanced AI can be. Common targets include:
Elderly individuals: More susceptible to deepfake calls or smishing due to unfamiliarity with newer technology.
Young adults: Often targeted on social media with fake investment schemes.
Businesses: Subject to phishing and ransomware attacks that leverage AI to exploit vulnerabilities in company security systems.
Best Methods for Protecting Yourself
1. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest trends in AI scams and how they’re evolving.
2. Double-Check Information: Always verify suspicious communications through secondary channels.
3. Use Security Measures: Enable MFA, install reputable antivirus software, and maintain regular backups.
4. Limit Personal Information Online: Be cautious about what you share publicly to limit what scammers can use against you.
5. Follow Corporate Policy and Training: Many employers will request employees to undertake cybersecurity training covering many safety protocols that companies increasingly make mandatory learning.
Conclusion: Can AI-Driven Scams Be Stopped?
As AI technology continues to advance, so do the methods scammers use to exploit it. While it’s unlikely that AI-driven scams can be completely eradicated, awareness and proactive measures can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim. Companies and governments are increasingly developing and employing tools to detect and counteract these scams, but the responsibility also lies with individuals to remain vigilant and informed. By understanding these scams and employing robust security practices, we can all play a part in mitigating the impact of AI-driven fraud.
