The Growing Threat of AI-Driven Identity Theft
In today’s digital landscape, the risk of identity theft is reaching critical levels. A recent investigation by the Better Business Bureau’s International Investigations initiative has uncovered disturbing trends in identity theft, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence and the proliferation of dark web platforms.
Juliana O’Rork from the Better Business Bureau joined Charlotte Today to discuss these alarming developments. “All scams we’re seeing aim to steal personal information, whether it’s identity details or banking information,” O’Rork explained. The report reveals that scammers are now using AI to more efficiently search for and sell stolen data.
“It’s really scary,” O’Rork noted. “We’ve received over 16,000 reports in recent years, while the FTC has gotten more than 4 million reports. It’s very prevalent and happening constantly.” The rise of AI in these scams is particularly concerning as it introduces new risks alongside its potential benefits.
O’Rork warned that even chatbots on websites, meant to assist users, are becoming increasingly fraudulent. “You need to be cautious and verify that websites you visit are legitimate and secure,” she advised. To protect yourself, O’Rork recommends being vigilant about website interactions, looking for secure HTTPS connections, checking for grammatical errors, and using tools like Google reverse image search to verify image authenticity.
Protective Measures Against Identity Theft
“Guard your information as best as possible,” O’Rork urged. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly by contacting your financial institution, regularly checking credit reports, and considering a credit freeze if you don’t plan to open new accounts soon.
The BBB emphasizes being cautious and skeptical of unsolicited contacts, links, and attachments. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” O’Rork emphasized. For additional help, the BBB offers resources like the BBB Scam Tracker for reporting scams and seeking guidance.
In this era of rapidly evolving technology, staying informed and vigilant is crucial to protecting yourself from identity theft threats. For more information, visit BBB.org.
