3 tips to save you from job scams: Microsoft report sheds light on AI-assed frauds | Technology News

Microsoft recently released its latest edition of the Cyber Signals report that highlighted the recent spate of AI-assed scams that target job seekers and e-shoppers. The tech giant has thwarted $4 billion in fraud attempts and approximately 1.6 million bot signup attempts per hour over the past year. The company has been actively working toward preventing AI fraud through various large-scale detection models. These models use several AI techniques, including machine learning, to effectively prevent fraud attacks.
AI-assed job scams
The report underscores that with the rapid proliferation of generative AI, scammers are finding it easier to create fake job lings across platforms. Often, the scammers create fake profiles using stolen credentials and post fake job requirements that have AI-generated descriptions. Some use AI-powered email campaigns to phish job seekers; others resort to AI-backed interviews and automated emails to enhance the credibility of their scams. All of this makes it difficult for job seekers to identify scam offers.
Here are three ways to protect yourself from fake jobs. These are the things that employers would never ask.
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Personal or financial information. According to the report, unsolicited SMS or emails offering high-paying jobs with minimal qualifications or experience are usually scams. At all costs, avoid sharing personal or financial information. One should refrain from providing Aadhaar, PAN card, bank details, and passwords to an unverified employer.
Ask to pay for a job. Employment offers that include any kind of payment and lack formal communication can be indicators of fraud.
Communicate through unofficial channels. If a recruiter is communicating through text messages or WhatsApp, or even any non-business email accounts, this could be a scam. Legitimate employers use official company platforms for hiring communications. Always handle personal and sensitive information over secure platforms.
E-commerce frauds
With increasing ease of access to various AI tools, even low-skilled attackers are now capable of generating sophicated scams. These usually range from deepfake-driven phishing to AI-generated sham websites that look like legitimate businesses. The report throws light on the fact that while earlier it used to take scammers days or weeks to execute scams, now with AI they accomplish the same in mere minutes.Story continues below this ad
According to the report, fraudulent e-commerce websites can be set up scammers almost instantly with the help of AI tools and with negligible technical knowledge. Earlier, it would take days and months to set up a website and execute such scams. These websites feature AI-generated product descriptions, images, and consumer reviews. Consumers are made to believe that these are legitimate portals, and they assume that they are interacting with genuine merchants. Besides, there are AI customer service chatbots that add to the deception as they convincingly engage with consumers. They can also stall chargebacks dracting users with scripted excuses and giving AI-generated responses to complaints.
The report also suggests various ways to safeguard oneself from AI-assed scams. For shopping, below are three key things to do to protect yourself:
Do not be fooled ‘limited-time’ deals and countdown timers. These are often pressure tactics employed to lure unsuspecting consumers into purchasing.
Only click verified ads. According to the report, many scam websites are disseminated through AI-optimised social media ads. It is advisable to cross-check domain names and reviews before purchasing.Story continues below this ad
Be wary of social proofs: These are essentially reviews and ratings that are posted to influence users. However, nowadays scammers use AI-generated reviews, influencer endorsements, and testimonials to exploit a user’s trust.
In the report, Microsoft revealed that it has implemented robust defences across its products and services to protect customers from AI-backed scams.
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