There’s no doubt about it: ChatGPT has dramatically improved the productivity of many businesses across Australia.
But such great power needs to be used with a modicum of responsibility and decency.
Unfortunately, some people are misusing ChaGPT and – AI in general – to the detriment of business owners.
It was always only a matter of time before scammers began using chatGPT & other AI systems to attempt to steal your assets.
Reports of bigger and more believable scams have quickly surfaced since the advent of AI trends – and are quickly growing.
We’ve compiled a few methods below to help you identify the ways scammers may use ChatGPT against you.
Firstly: How Can Scammers Use ChatGPT Against You
Most scammers are (thankfully) not using ChatGPT to create new methods of stealing your data.
Instead, they’ve been sticking to tried and true methods – such as email phishing – but using ChatGPT to dramatically improve the believability of their scams.
Most of the time this involves ChatGPT being told to write convincing emails that sound remarkably human and in convincing English.
Furthermore, A scammer can ask chatgpt for a list of decision makers who are most likely to have the assets they are after.
Re-Read That Suspicious Email: Does It Sound Human?
The best way to stay safe is to critically analyze any unfamiliar emails you receive.
While chatgpt’s knowledge is robust, its mastery of the nuances of the english language is still rudimentary.
An email written by a scammer using ChatGPT will use uncommon language and speak in a monotone, passive voice.
Additionally, it will use over the top phrasing when prompted and will likely write much more than is necessary for a basic email.
Whereas most people these days reply with short, concise emails.
Here’s an example of an email written by ChatGPT, asking for the contact details of a key decision maker:
“To ensure that I provide you with the most accurate and relevant information, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with the key decision maker responsible for technology and software solutions at The A Firm. Could you kindly provide me with their contact details or suggest a suitable time for a brief introductory call?”
Notice that the wording is overly polite & very wordy.
Here is an example of how a email would sound coming from a regular person:
Hey Bill,
Can you send me Diane’s email address?
We connected at the business lunch on Friday.
Thanks,
David, Totally Real Business.com
Notice the shortness of the email and casual language? Another great marker of authenticity is that this email mentions people by name. It confers trustworthiness and an established relationship.
If an email sounds a little off and not like it was written by a human, report it to your technical team immediately.
Ensure Online Safety Procedures Are Being Followed In Your Office
Always follow the three core principles of online email safety:
1. Do not respond to emails from an unfamiliar address that you have not had prior communications with.
The biggest challenge facing scammers is that they cannot email you from a familiar address (in most cases.)
This means you should be able to immediately identify that the email is suspicious right for the get-go.
Nowadays, most email service providers like Gmail and Outlook have inbuilt functions that will warn you when responding to an unfamiliar email address.
2. Never click links in an email unless you trust the sender.
This should be self-explanatory, but it is the number #1 way scammers get your vital information.
These links will take you to a phishing site that will download malicious software onto your computer.
Always double-check the link, even when it’s from someone you know: you should be able to recognise reputable website URLs.
3. Be wary of impersonators.
Scammers – especially with ChatGPT nowadays – will try to make their email address sound similar to reputable brands, like Meta, Amazon, or PayPal.
Remember: these companies will never ask for personal details and they will won’t threaten you financially, as scammers tend to do.
Now That Your Digital Assets Are Safe, It’s Time To Talk Finances
Scammers may have become more versatile with the use of chatgpt, but thankfully their strategies remain relatively the same.
Make sure to stick to your best online safety practices and keep an eye out for odd sounding emails.
More than ever communication has become crucial to the safety of yoru business.
But has the crucial element to financial success changed?
Of course: finances are constantly in flux and require a sure guide to navigate.
At The A Firm, we can help you grow your business and remain financially safe.
After all, we are Australia’s most trusted small business accounting firm!
We’re now offering a free strategy meeting with our founder and CEO: book your call with us today!