VIDEO: SUMMER SCAMS SERIES: AG Moody Concludes Tech Traps Series with Warning About Scams Utilizing ChatGPT

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Release Date
Aug 22, 2023
Contact
Kylie Mason
Phone
(850) 245-0150

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is concluding the Summer Scams Series: Tech Traps with a warning about scams that use ChatGPT to appear more believable. With more than 1.8 billion site visitors each month, ChatGPT is a widely-used artificial intelligence service that generates text after a user enters a prompt. Scammers are now exploiting AI models to make scams more sophisticated.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Scammers are using artificial intelligence to make solicitations more believable, and Floridians need to be on high alert to avoid falling prey. Scammers can use AI to craft persuasive messages that include precise industry jargon and links to malware. Please take extreme caution before responding to any written solicitation, pop-up messages or an offer that seems too good to be true.” 

AI can be used to create imposter social media profiles for romance scams, mimic banking websites to steal financial information or even to create fake chats with customer service professionals to obtain personal information. The technology allows the scammer to match the tone, tenor or messaging of a specific company, government entity or nonprofit. 

Remember that ChatGPT is simply a tool that scammers use to make messages seem more authentic. It is important to be skeptical:

  • Always double-check the identity of the person or organization sending the solicitation;
  • Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources;
  • Be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal, financial or sensitive information; and
  • Trust instincts—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Victims of cybercrimes should report incidents to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Computer Crime Center.

Anyone who encounters a cybercrime can also file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov or contact local law enforcement.

To view other Consumer Alerts, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/Consumer Alert.

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The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to inform Floridians of emerging scams, new methods used to commit fraud, increased reports of common scams, or any other deceptive practice. Consumer Alerts are designed to notify Floridians about scams and available refunds in an effort to prevent financial losses or other harm caused by deceptive practices. Anyone encountering a scam should report the incident to the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. To view recent Consumer Alerts and for other information about avoiding scams, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.