AI-powered Sherams just in time for the holiday season, a cybersecurity expert warns
Scams spike during the holidays as criminals prey on consumers who are busy, distracted and, especially, spend a lot of money online. This year, things are worse, according to the industry expert.
Cybersecurity expert and Operative Eric O’Neill told FOX Business that scammers are using AI to customize their attacks, making it more difficult for consumers to check what’s real and what’s fake.
“They can mimic voice, distribute positive texts and emails and drop thousands of targeted messages in seconds,” Oneill said.
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The ones that have tricked consumers the most are the schemes that ‘blend into the normal life of the holidays,’ such as fake delivery texts where everyone promises packages to drive, and similar sales sites that make promises that people just don’t hear about, Oneill said.
He also testifies to the “urgent” emergency calls produced by the “emergency”, in which the voice is made up asking for money.
“It’s something that’s practical and efficient and affordable for families across the country,” he added.
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Here are some scams to watch out for this holiday season:
AI-based Imperostor attack
Some popular schemes include lookalike sales sites that promise deals that disappear when the customer pays. (Stock)
This is when a scammer uses a clever trick to put together the voices of trusted people, such as a manager, spouse or children, and send messages over the phone asking for help.
A text or social media message, otherwise known as a “smile”
These are situations where someone receives a text saying their package has been delayed and directing them to click a link to reschedule their delivery. However, the link takes the victim to a scam site designed to steal login credentials, financial information or install malware, according to O’Neill.
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Fake online stores and Phantom deals:
Certain ads, such as “70% off Holiday Mega Sales” on Social Media, can be digital.
“You pay, but nothing ships — and the criminals disappear with your payment information before you know what’s happening,” O’Teill said.
Certain ads, such as “70% off Holiday Mega Sales” on Social Media, can be digital. (Getty Plus Images)
Fraud issues and fraudulent donations
In some cases, O’Teill said “The story of destruction hits your feed” about the disaster relief fund, the local family to raise money for communication, but it is important to look for the right love name. If the name is blocked by one letter, the donation can go directly to the scammer’s Crypto wallet, Oneill said.
Scams that trick consumers the most are schemes that blend “into the normal life of the holidays.” (Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Package delivery and shipping scams:
Fake FedEx or UPS notifications are very popular during the holiday shipping season. While they may look legitimate, the carriers’ fake pages aim to “harvest your money or fees,'” according to O’Neill.
How to stay ahead of scams:
O’Neill said it’s important for consumers to turn on multifactor authentication everywhere as it will serve as “the best defense against theft.”
It’s also important to trust your gut, she said. “If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t,” Ofeill said.
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If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, Oneill said. He also noted that consumers should avoid clicking on ad links and should go directly to the merchant’s site and use credit cards for online purchases because they protect against fraud.
If you donate to charity, it’s important to verify names with charity navigator or BBB’s Smart Giving.
