The Manila Times

The Rise of ChatGPT Scams

When Jessa received a message from someone claiming to be her long lost friend on the ChatGPT messaging app, she was overjoyed. They chatted for hours, reminiscing about their school days and catching up on each other's lives.

But when Jessa's friend asked her to invest in a "revolutionary new cryptocurrency" that ChatGPT was launching, she became suspicious. She did some research and discovered that her friend's account had been hacked and someone was using it to promote a fake investment scheme.

Jessa was lucky to discover the scam before she lost any money, but not everyone is so fortunate. ChatGPT scams have become increasingly common in recent years, as scammers exploit the app's popularity and ease of use to dupe unsuspecting users out of their money.

The Types of ChatGPT Scams

ChatGPT scams come in many different forms, but some of the most common include:

• Investment scams - scammers will promise high returns on investments in ChatGPT-themed products or services, but in reality, these investments do not exist and the money is simply stolen.
• Phishing scams - scammers will send messages pretending to be ChatGPT support staff, asking for login details or other personal information.
• Ransomware - scammers will send malicious links or files to ChatGPT users, which, when clicked on, will infect the user's device with ransomware and demand payment to unlock it.

How to Avoid ChatGPT Scams

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from ChatGPT scams:

1. Be wary of unsolicited messages from strangers. If someone you don't know contacts you on ChatGPT, be careful about what information you share and never give out your personal or financial details.
2. Only invest with reputable companies. If you're considering investing in a ChatGPT-themed product or service, research the company thoroughly and make sure they are legitimate before handing over any money.
3. Always double-check URLs and email addresses. Scammers may send messages that appear to be from ChatGPT or other reputable companies, but with slight variations in the web address or email address. Always double-check the URL or email address to make sure it's legitimate.
4. Keep your software up to date. Make sure your operating system, browser, and antivirus software are all up to date and that you have strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
5. Report any suspicious activity. If you receive a message that you suspect is a ChatGPT scam or notice any other suspicious activity, report it to ChatGPT immediately.

Conclusion

ChatGPT is a great messaging app that millions of people use every day, but it's important to be aware of the risks of ChatGPT-themed scams. By taking steps to protect yourself and being vigilant for any suspicious activity, you can help to mitigate these risks and enjoy all the benefits of ChatGPT without falling victim to scammers.

1. Don't click suspicious links or download unknown files to your computer or mobile device.
2. Always question unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true.
3. When in doubt, contact ChatGPT directly for help and guidance on whether something is a scam.