Warning: Google Artificial Intelligence in Search May Lead to Encountering Fraudsters, Explained Below
In recent months, there has been a concerning rise in scams using artificial intelligence (AI). One such instance involves fake customer service numbers appearing in Google's AI-powered search results, potentially leading unsuspecting users into the hands of scammers.
Swiggy, the popular food delivery service, has issued a warning to its customers, stating that it has no official customer care phone lines. Users are advised to beware of any fake numbers they may encounter, as these could be part of scams designed to deceive.
A real estate firm owner, Alex Rivlin, shared his experience on Facebook about a fake customer service number for Royal Caribbean that he found in Google's AI Overview. The number was being used by a scammer who attempted to charge Rivlin for simple issues, fortunately, Rivlin managed to avoid losing money but shared his credit card details before realizing the scam.
Similarly, on Reddit, a user nearly fell victim to a scam while searching for a food delivery service helpline. Scammers were trying to charge people hundreds of dollars for correcting ticket details using the fake number.
Another case was reported with Southwest Airlines, where a number shown in Google's AI Overview didn't exist on the airline's official website and was being used by scammers. A 65-year-old man lost over $3,000 after looking up 'Swiggy call centre' on Google Search, indicating potential scams related to various services.
When searching for 'Swiggy customer care number' in Google's AI Mode, numbers that were either not meant for customers or didn't appear on Swiggy's official site were displayed.
To avoid such scams, the safest option for finding customer care numbers and email addresses of companies is to visit their official websites.
The responsible entities for monitoring and eliminating fake Google AI-generated results and fraudulent phone numbers include law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) in Germany and research groups like SECUSO at KIT that help detect fraudulent messages. Oversight efforts also involve governmental bodies and technical security frameworks aimed at identifying and mitigating such fraud.
Google is working to remove unreliable entries from AI Overviews, but users are urged to exercise caution when using search engines, especially when looking for customer service numbers or sensitive information. Always verify the information by checking the official website of the company in question.
Read also:
- Hackers Utilize GOLD SALEM to Infiltrate Networks and Evade Security Measures, Deploying Warlock Ransomware
- Strengthening Resistance Against Combined Risks in an Age Characterized by Authoritarian Technology
- Artificial Intelligence with independent agency could potentially intervene in cybercrises.
- Autocrrypt and Cohda Wireless Collaborate for Secure Vehicle-to-Everything Communication
