Syniverse utilizes artificial intelligence for identifying various types of scams. (CBS News)
As the holiday season approaches, cybercriminals are intensifying their efforts to exploit shoppers by assuming the guise of retailers offering enticing discounts. This year, these fraudulent actors, operating both within and outside the U.S., are leveraging a potent new tool to enhance their deceptive strategies: ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot capable of emulating human speech and executing various tasks.
Security experts have observed a recent surge in sophisticated AI-generated spam messages, rendering it increasingly challenging for consumers to distinguish between genuine promotions and fraudulent schemes.
Michael Bordash, senior vice president of Syniverse, a telecommunications company, highlighted the growing proficiency of cybercriminals in crafting English messages. "Unfortunately, criminals are becoming more adept at English writing. ChatGPT significantly aids them in composing messages," Bordash explained to CBS MoneyWatch. "You don't need to be fluent in English to utilize ChatGPT for drafting a campaign."
Tools such as ChatGPT also enable criminals to target potential victims in their native languages, enhancing their efficacy in engaging and manipulating targets. Furthermore, these technologies allow a single cybercriminal to replicate their attacks with greater ease.
Bordash elaborated on this point, stating, "They can use ChatGPT to generate variations of a previously successful campaign."
Syniverse employs AI to combat an array of scams, including impersonations of logistics companies and the dissemination of counterfeit goods. Bordash described it as a "battle of the bots," emphasizing the utilization of similar technological tools to identify and thwart such malicious activities.
During this holiday season, scams related to logistics and supply chains are particularly prevalent. Criminals often impersonate renowned shipping services like UPS or the U.S. Postal Service, sending deceptive messages indicating delayed packages and urging recipients to disclose personal information.
"They make the recipient believe, 'I need to visit the website and provide information to release the package.' But in reality, there's no package," Bordash elucidated. "It's a tactic to obtain your home address and potentially your credit card information by demanding an expedition fee for the supposed delivery. Their tactics are astute, considering the influx of gifts during this time."
To detect such scams, consumers are advised to scrutinize messages for spelling errors, mismatched URLs, and phrases aiming to induce immediate action. Bordash emphasized the importance of caution, stating, "Whenever something demands instant attention, take a moment to pause before responding."
Fraudulent advertisements on social media platforms are another ploy utilized by scammers. These ads, showcasing images of popular products from legitimate brands, feature incredible deals with a sense of urgency.
Sandro Okropiridze, a marketing expert and CEO of the branding app Stori, warned against falling for these deceitful advertisements. "Look out for ads mimicking genuine brands, leading to fake websites with unbelievable deals," Okropiridze cautioned. "They're designed to rush you into making a purchase before realizing it's a scam."
Amidst this climate of increased online shopping, Saleem Alhabash, an advertising professor at Michigan State University, advises consumers to opt for direct purchases from authentic sources or visit physical stores to minimize the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
