Criminals Are Using AI For Scams – How To Protect Yourself

We all know AI is changing a lot, and unfortunately, that includes the way scammers operate. OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI tool ChatGPT, recently revealed that they've blocked a network of accounts linked to criminal activities. These groups were using ChatGPT to help them set up sophisticated online scams, often targeting unsuspecting people.

It seems these scammers were using the AI to craft messages for phishing — that's when someone tries to trick you into giving away personal details like bank passwords. They also used it for creating fake social media accounts, writing computer code for dodgy websites, and even generating text for what are called 'romance scams' — where a scammer pretends to be in a relationship with you to get money. Essentially, AI made their scamming efforts faster and, worryingly, more believable.

This isn't just a concern for big tech companies; it's a heads-up for all of us. As AI tools become more common and powerful, criminals will inevitably try to use them for their own ends. The good news is that companies like OpenAI are working hard to detect and stop these abuses. They’re constantly refining their systems to spot patterns of misuse and ban accounts that break the rules.

For everyday Australians, this means being more vigilant than ever. If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Always double-check requests for personal information, be suspicious of unexpected messages, and remember that no legitimate organisation will ask for your password via email or text. Being informed is your best defence against these new, AI-enhanced scams.