In recent years, chatbots have become an integral part of digital life, facilitating communication between companies and consumers. However, not all uses of technology are beneficial; scammers find ways to use chatbots to deceive people, thus extracting profit.
Fake Bots on Telegram and Their Varieties
Telegram, as one of the popular messaging platforms, attracts the attention of scammers who create fake bots to deceive users. These bots can have various functions, ranging from providing information to participating in gambling. At first glance, they seem legitimate, but ultimately the goal is always the same — to take possession of users' money or personal data.
Some fraudulent bots use social engineering mechanisms. For example, they may impersonate a well-known company or personality. A user may receive a message from an «official bot» offering a prize or discount, but to receive this prize, they need to pay a certain amount of money or provide personal data.
In addition, scammers may use bots for fake surveys, promising cash rewards or prizes. A user, going through the survey, falls into a trap and ultimately becomes a victim of fraud.
Fraud with AI Bots
With the development of artificial intelligence, scammers have begun using intelligent chatbots to appear more convincing. These AI bots can process natural language, making their conversations with users more natural. They can conduct dialogues that create the impression of real communication, making it difficult to recognize the fraud.
AI bots can also adapt by analyzing user behavior and responses. The more the bot interacts with a person, the more personalized the dialogue becomes, increasing the likelihood that the victim will fall into the trap. This opens new prospects for scammers, as they can manipulate people's emotional states, complicating the fight against such fraudulent schemes.
Scams with Bots on Social Networks
Social networks have become another arena for scammers using chatbots. Here they create fake accounts and groups, trying to engage as many users as possible in communication. They usually offer unavailable goods or services at reduced prices or organize prize draws. The reach of the audience on social networks gives scammers significant chances of success.
Chatbots on social networks can be used to send spam, where users are offered some kind of «beneficial» deals or personal data is requested. They may act under the guise of support services, requesting information about your accounts, which is then used for identity theft.
Users may be deceived if they do not recognize the scammers' tricks in time. Emotions such as fear, greed, or curiosity often become triggers for the victim to take actions against their better judgment.
How Scammer Bots Work
The work of scammer bots is based on several key principles. First and foremost, they are designed to mimic legitimate users or companies. Scammers create a variety of communication scenarios to increase the likelihood that a potential victim will interact with the bot.
Secondly, such bots may use natural language processing (NLP) technologies to create responses that look natural and plausible. This allows them to adapt to different communication scenarios and provide an additional level of «friendliness» in conversation.
Moreover, scammer bots can be linked to other platforms and services, allowing them to extract information about victims. For example, clicking on a link may redirect the user to a fake website where they are asked to enter personal data. Thus, scammers create multi-level schemes, which makes their activities even more dangerous.
Automated Scam in Messengers
Messengers like WhatsApp and Viber have also fallen victim to automated scams. Scammers create fake accounts and set up chatbots for automatic messaging with users. They can send spam or fake offers that compel people to engage in risky actions.
For example, the scam may involve offering people to participate in an investment project promising high returns. The victim sends money, but the bookmakers disappear as soon as the goal is achieved. Such scams work on a large number of users, making it especially profitable for scammers.
Protection from Fake Chatbots
Protection from scam chatbots begins with awareness of their existence and the methods they use. Here are a few recommendations to help you avoid being deceived:
- Check the source: Always verify where the message came from. If you received an offer from a well-known company, find their official website and contact them directly to verify the information.
- Refusal of personal data: Do not disclose your personal data, such as phone number, address, or bank card information, even if you think it is done for security purposes.
- Ability to recognize patterns: Be attentive to typical signs of fraud, such as high prizes, promises of easy money, or persistent requests for money transfers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Feedback and reviews: Before interacting with any chat or offer, look for information about them on the internet. You can often find reviews or warnings from other users.
- Browser security: Ensure your browser and antivirus software are up to date. This will help avoid landing on fake sites that may be associated with scam bots.
Chatbots have become an important element of virtual communication and customer service, but this has also created opportunities for scammers. Fraudulent bots use various methods to manipulate users and exploit their trust. Protecting against such schemes requires vigilance and awareness of the risks associated with interacting with bots.
Remember that bots may appear legitimate, but it is always important to apply critical thinking. By following safety recommendations, you can protect your personal data and avoid fraud.