AI chatbots are one of the biggest tools being discussed right now. Between OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and more, many companies are hopping on the bandwagon and making their version of chatbots. However, with a new invention comes a new way for cybercriminals to attack you. Now crooks are turning to fake AI chatbot apps to swindle you. Let’s dive into what to look for and how to avoid being tricked.
What’s wrong with AI chatbot apps?
According to a report from the cybersecurity firm Sophos, scammers have been creating fake apps claiming to be just like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and overflowing the app stores with them in the hopes that people will buy into them. Most of the apps are free to download, although won’t even let you use most of their features unless you buy a subscription that can be as high as $69.99 per month.
These scammers trick people into downloading the apps with heavy advertising and claiming that the apps are free with the same features as those more popular chatbots like ChatGPT and Bing Chat. Plus, they will create fake 4- and 5-star reviews to convince people that the apps are legit. However, the comments on these 4 and 5-star reviews are typically super short and vague, while plenty of other comments explain how the apps don’t work at all.
MORE: YOUR SECRETS ARE NOT SO SAFE WITH CHATBOTS LIKE CHATGPT
What are some fake apps?
Here is a list of some of the apps out there that are fake versions trying to pose as real AI chatbot apps.
Chat GBT
Credit: Sophos
This fake app was posing as an alternative to ChatGPT. However, it came filled with ads and prevented users from using any of its services after just 3 attempts, prompting people to pay $10 per month or $30 per year to use it. Even when people paid, comments said that the app would mostly fail to respond to questions asked and constantly show advertisements. The app has since been taken down from the Google Play Store.
AI Chatbot Assistant – Ask AI
Another fake app that, unfortunately, is still on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store is AI Chatbot Assistant. Like the Chat GBT app that was taken down, AI Chatbot Assistant limits users to three inputs per day before being locked out and prompted to enroll in a free 3-day trial, which turns into a $6 per week subscription fee. When asked a question, it will respond with a brief description and a “Read More” link that prompts people to pay for a monthly or annual subscription. Some users have also said the app is “one big ad hub” and “only spats out gibberish.”
AI Chat GBT – Open Chatbot App
Credit: Sophos
This fake chatbot has a free version that is limited to only 4 prompts before asking the user to pay a subscription fee. When asked, it would hardly answer any questions sufficiently and was loaded with advertisements. Luckily, this one has been taken down from the Google Play Store.
Chat AI Ask Chatbot Assistant
This is another app that is still live on the App Store, and it has even gone as far as trying to mimic the logo of OpenAI. One suspicious thing this app does is ask to track your activity across multiple other sites. It also constantly prompts users to pay a subscription fee of $8 per week and will take a few minutes before allowing users to close out of the prompt. Plus, the name of the app is constantly changing. It has already managed to call itself AIChatChabot, Pocket AI Chat, and Writing BOT Pocket AI.
Genie – AI Chatbot
Genie AI is also still on the App Store and shows similar qualities to these other fleeceware apps. Not only will it ask to track you upon installation, but it also will prompt you to rate the app before you even begin using it. It doesn’t hesitate to ask you to enroll in subscription fees either, giving you the option of either doing a 3-day free trial and then charging $7 per week or opting in for an annual $70 subscription fee. Users only get 4 free questions per day without opting into the trial.
AI Chatbot: Open Chat AI
What red flags should I be looking out for?
Scammers are always going to find ways around the rules. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t avoid them by using your common sense and following some of my helpful tips.
Don’t download from a third-party site
Scammers will often try to create fake websites that look real, hoping people will download these apps from there. However, you should never download an app that is not directly from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. Although some apps can slip through the cracks, you’re much less likely to get something fake from these platforms than from a third-party site.
Credit: Sophos
Avoid chatbots from smaller brands
As of now, I think you should avoid using chatbots that aren’t from the major companies we know about, like OpenAI, Bing, and Google. These bigger tech companies are guaranteed to keep you much safer, and you don’t want to risk anything with a smaller brand until it’s proven that the brand is legit.
Check the developer information
Check the developer details of the app. Legitimate apps are typically developed by established companies or well-known developers. Look for contact information, website links, and a history of other reputable apps developed by the same entity.
Official website or source
Visit the official website of the AI chatbot provider (e.g., OpenAI, Google, Microsoft) and check if they have released an official app. They often provide information about their official apps and links to download them from trusted sources.
MORE: BEWARE OF THE FAKE CHATGPT PLUGIN THAT’S STEALING YOUR FACEBOOK LOGIN
Don’t give away personal information
Regardless of which chatbot you use, you should never be handing over your personal information like your contact, banking, or Social Security information. Even the big tech companies don’t need that from you, so keep all of that information to yourself.
Credit: Sophos
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Always read reviews
Before downloading an app, make sure you read multiple reviews – and not just the positive ones. As we mentioned before, scammers can always create fake reviews to make an app seem legit, so keep your wits about yourself and use your judgment and my tips to determine whether you think an app is real or fake. If you have any doubts at all, then it’s best not to download.
Pay attention to permissions and requests
Pay attention to the permissions requested by the app during installation. Be cautious if an app asks for excessive permissions that seem unrelated to its functionality. Grant only the necessary permissions required for the app to function.
Keep up with regular updates
Keep your device’s operating system, apps, and security software up to date. Updates often contain bug fixes and security patches that help protect against known vulnerabilities.
Have good antivirus software on all your devices
Kurt’s key takeaways
We’ve seen plenty of circumstances where scammers create fake apps, so just be careful when you’re looking into trying a new one. Opt for the bigger, more legit companies before anything else, and make sure you’re always reading and doing as much research as you can before hitting that download button.
Have you seen any fake chatbot apps recently? How does this make you feel about the speedy advancement of AI?
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