Artificial intelligence is developing at a rapid pace and changing many aspects of our lives. It affects business, education and cybersecurity. Unfortunately, AI is not only used for positive purposes. Online scams are becoming more and more realistic thanks to the use of AI. In this article, we will explain how AI works in online scams, what the most common examples are, and how you can protect yourself from them.
How do deepfakes and AI chatbots support cybercriminals?
Artificial intelligence allows cybercriminals to improve on online fraud methods, making them more convincing and harder to detect. One of the biggest threats is deepfake, a technology that generates realistic-looking fake images, videos and audio. With this technology, fraudsters can impersonate well-known people to extort money or confidential information.
Deepfake technologies are used both in attacks on companies and on social media, where they are used to create fake profiles and manipulate public opinion. Advances in this field make it increasingly difficult to detect forgeries.
Fraudsters also use AI chatbots that conduct conversations, pretending to be employees of banks, technology companies or customer service representatives. Such bots can collect personal data, trick users into clicking on malicious links or mislead them.
AI in phishing, fake reviews and password cracking
Another threat is phishing supported by AI, i.e. the automatic generation of realistic messages, emails, text messages and social media posts. Algorithms analyse the user’s correspondence history, writing style and online activity, allowing for the creation of personalised phishing attacks. This makes victims more likely to trust fake messages, click on dangerous links or enter their login details.
Artificial intelligence is also used to create fake reviews and comments. Automated systems can generate hundreds of positive reviews that manipulate ratings of products, destroy the reputation of companies or promote fake websites. This influences consumer decisions and can lead to financial losses.
An even more worrying threat is the use of AI to crack security and passwords. Algorithms analyse authentication patterns, help bypass CAPTCHA systems and detect vulnerabilities in websites. As a result, cybercriminals can take over user accounts and access confidential data more quickly and effectively.
How to recognise deepfakes: AI-generated videos
AI-generated videos are becoming more and more advanced, but there are still ways to recognise a fake recording:
- Unnatural facial movements – facial expressions may be unnatural and lip movements may not quite match the audio,
- Lack of smooth transitions of light and shadow – the lighting on a person’s face may appear artificial,
- Distortion around the edges of the face – the algorithm does not always seamlessly blend the image, which can cause it to blur,
- Incorrect blinking of the eyes – characters may blink too rarely or in an unnatural way,
- Lack of detail in hair and skin – AI often has trouble realistically rendering hair and skin texture.
Recognising a computer-generated film requires close observation and analysis of details. Even the most advanced deepfake techniques can contain subtle errors that reveal their artificial origin. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the recording, it is worth using tools that detect AI or consulting cybersecurity experts.
How can I protect myself against AI fraud?
To effectively protect yourself against online fraud, it is worth taking several key protective measures. First of all, use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication, which makes it much more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access. The next step is to carefully check messages, emails and text messages. Never click on any suspicious links or enter your login details on websites that look suspicious.
If you receive a message from your bank or another institution, it is better to verify its authenticity by contacting the organisation’s official customer service department.
It is equally important to regularly update the software on your computer and mobile devices. Antivirus manufacturers often release security patches that eliminate system vulnerabilities exploited by hackers. To make this process easier, it is worth enabling automatic system updates.
You should also be careful on social media. The unique public sharing of sensitive information such as your address, phone number or details of your daily activities protects you from attacks based on the analysis of user data. Fraudsters often use this information for personalised phishing attacks.
If you suspect that you may have been the victim of fraud, report the incident immediately to the relevant authorities, such as the police, CERT or consumer protection organisations. It is also worth consulting cybersecurity experts, who can help you assess the situation and take appropriate steps to secure your data and avoid further risks. You can also use tools to monitor data leaks to check if your data has appeared on the Dark Web.
AI and online fraud – FAQ
In this sequence, you will find answers and frequently asked questions about AI and online fraud.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is a technology that enables computers to analyse data, learn and make decisions in a way that is similar to humans. It uses algorithms and mathematical models to process information and predict outcomes.
How does AI help with online fraud?
AI analyses large amounts of data, enabling criminals to generate realistic-looking fake content, automate attacks and personalise fraud. This makes it possible to carry out phishing and manipulate people more effectively.
What is online fraud?
Online fraud is any form of crime committed online in which the perpetrator extorts data, money or access to systems. It can include phishing, deepfakes, fake reviews or impersonation of institutions.
What are some examples of online fraud?
Examples of online fraud include fake phishing emails, deepfake technology used to impersonate public figures, and automatically generated reviews that manipulate consumer opinions.
Where can I report online fraud?
Online fraud can be reported to the police, CERT or organisations dealing with cybersecurity. It is also worth informing the institution to which the fake website or message is related.