In a recent episode of the “Hacking Humans” podcast, guest Sean Gallagher, Principal Researcher with Sophos Xops team, shed light on the concerning rise of mobile applications targeting those interested in artificial intelligence (AI) for financial gain. These apps, dubbed “FleeceGPT”, exploit users’ curiosity about AI technology to generate revenue through deceptive tactics.
The podcast, hosted by Joe and Dave, also featured listener feedback from Jon regarding the popular “No Stupid Questions” podcast. Additionally, the hosts shared stories about a scam involving a free piano on Reddit, a woman who desperately pleaded with her bank to prevent a fake wire transfer, and a Catch of the Day submission from Rob regarding a fraudulent student loan help ticket.
Gallagher began by explaining how the FleeceGPT apps prey on individuals intrigued by AI by offering seemingly advanced AI capabilities. These applications promise users the ability to generate automatic and intuitive text content, thus capitalizing on their aspirations to explore the potential of AI technology. However, the reality behind these apps is far from what they claim to be.
The apps, once installed, were found to be riddled with deceptive practices designed to exploit users’ trust and extract money from them. Gallagher highlighted that these scam apps would routinely prompt users to pay for additional features or services, often employing manipulative tactics to encourage continued spending. Furthermore, some of these apps would even charge users exorbitant fees for basic functionality that could easily be obtained elsewhere for free.
The podcast hosts then moved on to address listener feedback from Jon, who expressed his appreciation for the engaging content of the “No Stupid Questions” podcast. Jon commended the hosts for their ability to simplify complex topics while also stimulating critical thinking. The hosts were grateful for the positive feedback and reiterated their commitment to delivering insightful discussions on various subjects.
Dave then shared an alarming story discovered on Reddit involving a scam centered around a free piano. The victim, seeking to find a new musical instrument, stumbled upon an online advertisement offering a free piano. However, upon further investigation, it became evident that the scammer was attempting to exploit individuals’ desires for free goods. Dave emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research and exercising caution while engaging in online transactions to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
Joe followed with a story about a woman’s desperate plea to her bank to halt a fake wire transfer. In her distress, she contacted her bank, imploring them to intervene and prevent the transaction from taking place. However, the bank’s response was disheartening, as they claimed to be too occupied to address her concerns. This incident shed light on the need for financial institutions to prioritize customer’s security and take immediate action when potential fraud is reported.
Lastly, the hosts showcased the Catch of the Day submission from Rob, which detailed a fraudulent student loan help ticket. The scammer, disguising themselves as a student loan assistance center, attempted to trick victims into divulging sensitive personal and financial information. Such schemes highlight the necessity for individuals to remain vigilant and exercise caution when providing personal details, especially in response to unsolicited requests.
The “Hacking Humans” podcast, through discussions with knowledgeable guests like Sean Gallagher, aims to inform and educate listeners about the latest trends in cybercrime and deception. By exposing the tactics employed by scammers and highlighting real-life stories, the podcast serves as a valuable resource to help individuals stay one step ahead of fraudsters and protect themselves from falling victim to these schemes.