Chatbots at the Service of Scammers: A Scam Scheme Everyone Should Know About

The use of chatbots in fraudulent schemes is becoming increasingly common. Automated programs can engage in conversation, mimicking a real person, send mass messages, and redirect users to fake websites. Malefactors use such tools in messengers, social networks, and even on fake organization websites. Modern AI bots can analyze interlocutors' responses, adapt the communication script, and persuade the victim to take the necessary actions.

Scam via Automated Messages

One of the most common ways of deception is the use of automated messages that supposedly come from official organizations or services. Chatbots can send them to thousands of users at once, increasing the likelihood of successful deception.

Among the typical schemes in which such messages are used:

1. Fake technical support. The user receives a notification from the name of a bank, payment system, or social network about "suspicious activity." The bot offers to confirm the data, follow a link, or enter a code, thereby passing information to the scammers.
2. Messages about winning or bonuses. The bot notifies about an alleged prize received and asks to pay a "tax," "transfer commission," or provide bank card details.
3. Fake investment offers. Users are invited to invest money in a "new project," promising high income. After the funds are transferred, the scammers stop contact.
4. Requests for identity confirmation. The victim is asked to enter a login and password, supposedly to protect the account. The data is then used for hacking.

Fraudulent chatbots often disguise themselves as official services, using similar logos, design, and communication style.

Fake Bots in Telegram and Social Networks

Messengers and social networks are some of the main platforms where fraudulent bots are actively used. In Telegram, they can:

• pose as official accounts of banks, marketplaces, or services and offer help;
• invite users to chat about investment scams or financial pyramids;
• send links to fake websites masquerading as authorized services.

On Facebook, Instagram, and other social networks, fraudulent bots often operate in comments under popular posts. They offer "income without investment," "easy earnings," or "quick help" in solving financial issues. In reality, it all comes down to an attempt to extort money or personal data.

Scam with AI Bots

Modern fraudulent schemes use advanced AI technologies, thanks to which chatbots can conduct more realistic dialogues. Such bots:

• analyze the behavior of the interlocutor and adjust responses;
• mimic an individual communication style;
• use a database of real conversations to generate plausible phrases.

AI bots are often used in scams with cryptocurrencies, investments, online dating, and fake jobs. The victim may communicate with the bot for a long time without noticing the deception until they are asked to transfer money or provide confidential data.

Such bots are especially dangerous in the field of financial consultations. They can act as "advisors" and offer schemes for quick earnings or "unique investment opportunities." In reality, it all boils down to forcing the user to send money to the scammers' accounts.

Automated Scam in Messengers

In addition to personal communication, scammers actively use chatbots for mass attacks. These can include:

1. Phishing links. Bots distribute messages with enticing offers that contain links to fake websites. After visiting them, users enter their logins and passwords, unaware they are passing data to malefactors.
2. Fake mailings on behalf of companies. Bots can mimic the style of messages from well-known brands, offering to "update data," "confirm an order," or "receive compensation."
3. Mass attacks with malicious attachments. Files allegedly containing documents, bills, or instructions are distributed in messengers. Opening such a file can infect the device with malware.

Protection from Fake Chatbots

To avoid becoming a victim of automated scams, one should follow precautionary measures:

• Do not trust messages with suspicious offers. If the correspondence demands urgent money transfer, code entry, or personal data, it is most likely a scam.
• Check the accounts from which the correspondence is conducted. Official pages have verification, a history of publications, and active followers.
• Do not click on unfamiliar links. They may lead to sites that steal logins and passwords.
• Use two-factor authentication. This will make it harder for scammers to access personal accounts.
• Report suspicious bots. Messengers and social networks provide the ability to report fake accounts, helping to limit their activity.

Fraud technologies are constantly evolving, but attentiveness and a critical approach to any online messages can help avoid deception.