Chatbots have been around on the internet for a long time. However, they were mostly used for purposes, such as customer service. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence, chatbots have become increasingly sophisticated and more human-like than ever.
While this technology can be harnessed for plenty of positive and productive ventures, scammers also use it to steal people’s personal information.
This article will discuss the dangers of chatbot scams, how they are used to steal personal and financial information, and how you can stay protected from them.
What are Chatbot Scams?
Chatbot scams occur when a scammer creates a chatbot to get people to reveal their personal and financial information. The chatbot is programmed to ask questions related to personal and financial information. These chatbots are also programmed to be particularly manipulative in this aspect. Once the chatbot has collected enough information, the scammer can use it to steal the victim’s identity or access their bank accounts.
How to Recognize a Chatbot Scam
While chatbot scams are programmed to be deceptive, a few tell-tale signs can warn you if you are the target of a chatbot scam. Here are the signs you should be on the lookout for when using a chatbot:
1. Unsolicited Messages
If you don’t initiate a conversation with a chatbot and it sends you unsolicited messages, chances are that it is a scam. These unsolicited messages are usually carefully crafted to target potential victims.
2. Requests for Personal Information
Once the chatbot has collected enough information, the scammer can use it to steal the victim’s identity or access their bank accounts.
3. Incorrect Grammar or Spellings
An observation that should make you suspicious is the bot’s use of incorrect grammar or spelling. Scammers often use poorly programmed chatbots, with grammar and spelling mistakes. If you notice these errors, it may be a sign of a scam.
How to Protect Yourself from Chatbot Scams
Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it is best to take preventive measures to ensure you never fall prey to these chatbot scams. Here are a few concrete steps you can take to avoid chatbot scams:
1. Use an Anti-Virus Software
Make sure you have anti-virus software installed on your computer and keep it up to date. This will help protect you from malware that can be used to install chatbots on your computer.
2. Never Share Personal information
Never share your personal information such as name, address, bank account number, or social security number. Legitimate companies do not ask for information via chatbots. Therefore, you should never disclose this information to a chatbot.
3. Be Wary of Any Links
Any links that direct you to a chatbot are most likely to be scams. It is important to be wary and not click on just any link that you receive in emails.
Final Thoughts
Chatbot scams are getting more sophisticated with time. Therefore, it is important for people to know how to avoid them. Using anti-virus software is likely to minimize your encounters with these chatbot scams, therefore, they are a must-have for your safety. VPN GeniX’s VPNs with added anti-virus software are excellent for making your web browsing experience significantly safer since it is specifically designed to block any phishing sites.