AI aiding cyber crime, BDO research warns
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to help criminals target unsuspecting victims through scams, BDO’s latest Scam Culture Report cautions.
The report, released last week, found criminals across the dark web have managed to harness the capabilities of AI and use it to their advantage when committing illegal activities.
Criminals using AI are also sharing information on how to successfully scam victims with others, the data reveals.
This includes how to effectively use the digital platform, how to evade safety measures and ethical boundaries which are enforced on particular AI tools such as ChatGPT.
Since the establishment of AI, governments, industries, tech giants and society are continuing to contend with the intricate technology as well as the power and influence it seems to be having.
BDO’s forensic services partner, Stan Gallo, said despite the report and the information it shows, society will continue to be behind criminals and their advanced activity.
Gallo said that criminals have also managed to establish their own versions of AI which they’re using to steal and scam people for private information.
“What we’re seeing now is dark web users are also creating their versions of AI-based models, with one such example being the introduction of software similar to programs like ChatGPT,” he said.
“These are being positioned as a black hat alternative to mainstream GPT models and cater specifically to malicious endeavours.”
“These software platforms operate without ethical boundaries or limitations, providing cybercriminals with a platform to increase their capability and capacity.”
Technology across the dark web has become so advanced and sophisticated, meaning criminals who have little to no technological knowledge can harness available tools to commit cyber crimes.
Anyone is at risk of being a victim of an AI scam powered by cyber criminals, as the scam types have drastically evolved in how convincing they can be.
“A recent reported incident that used the voice of Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, for cryptocurrency-related scam attempt, whilst unsuccessful, demonstrated the evolving ability to leverage real voice samples stitched together to try and convince victims of the ‘legitimacy’ of the scams.”
Gallo said everyone must remain aware and cautious when online and using AI tools which may be asking for certain information.
“It’s a salient reminder for people to be extra vigilant, treat their interactions with a healthy amount of scepticism, and if unsure, to contact the relevant institutions directly.”
Gallo also added the report highlighted scammers are more likely to target vulnerable individuals.
“Scammers are known to be responsive to conditions whereby potential victims are in circumstances of enhanced financial stress,” he said.
“It is possible the observed activity coincides with individuals seeking new employment opportunities in an environment of trying to cope with increasing living costs.”
Though many Australians are still falling for internet scams, the report found there was a decline in the total dollars lost by Australians in the March 2024 quarter compared to the December 2023 quarter.
Just over $77 million was lost to scams in the most recent quarter, slightly less than the $80 million lost in the December 2023 quarter.
BDO stated this decrease may indicate an increasing awareness of common scam tactics seen in Australia.
