ChatGPT might be a word you've heard at an increasing rate recently. You might have heard that the newest AI tool is going to replace people doing certain jobs or how the AI tool is passing exams. ChatGPT was designed to help people with a lot of different things, but it is also true that scammers have been using it to create more realistic phishing schemes. These scams have become more elaborate and more specific with scammers using the name 'ChatGPT' and the ChatGPT website appearance to defraud individuals.
Everyone is interested in what ChatGPT can help them with and might be curious when they receive an email or message that appears to be from ChatGPT. In this newest scam, you would receive a message or email that seems to be from ChatGPT notifying you of a new financial tip service that can help you make better investment decisions and increase your wealth. Usually it also comes with an offer of a free trial of the service or a mention that it is only open for a limited time, urging you to sign up before the offer expires.
If you click on the link in the message, you would be taken to a fake website that looks like ChatGPT's official website. The website may ask for personal information, such as your name, address, and email address, under the guise of creating an account for the financial tip service. In addition to the common identifying details, because this is for financial tips, it could also as ask you to provide financial information, such as your bank account number or credit card details. This is another method the site could claim is for identity verification.
Unfortunately, once the scammers have this information, they can use it to steal your money, identity, or both. They may use your bank account or credit card to make unauthorized purchases or withdraw money, or they could that personal information on the dark web. All things no one wants to happen to anyone.
To protect yourself from this scam, always be cautious of unsolicited messages or emails that ask for personal or financial information. Also be wary of promises of free trials or easy money, as these are often red flags for scams. Verifying the legitimacy of a website or service before sharing personal information or making any financial transactions is a crucial step in avoiding being defrauded. Never click on a link in an email that seems unsolicited or too good to be true. Instead, always go to the website of whoever sent the message or email directly, by typing it into the address bar in your browser. Most scammers will attempt to disguise links in their messages as official, but instead it will direct you to a website that the scammer has complete control over.
ChatGPT can be helpful in a lot of different ways, but be mindful that it is also being used to help scammers be more creative, more grammatically correct, and make their messages seem more official. With theese AI guided scams, it could be even more difficult to see the fraud attempt, so you must remember to do your own research into the claims being made in the email. An internet search using the phrase or the offer from the email should tell you within moments if it is a current scam circulating or if it is accurate information. ChatGPT is an AI service, but it is only trained in providing general tips on how to improve financial wellness and cannot provide personal financial tips or investment advice.
By staying vigilant and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to these scams and keep your personal and financial information safe.