AI scammers outperform humans when it comes to building trust
A study shows AI chatbots can outperform humans in building trust during long-term scam interactions, particularly in text-based romance and crypto investment scams.
The notion that scammers can use AI to sharpen their deceptions, polish their language, and lubricate their banter with victims is now a reality for those combating fraud operations that steal tens of billions annually. Researchers from four universities—Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in India, Foscari University of Venice, the University of Melbourne, and Ben Gurion University of the Negev—conducted a broad study on generative AI chatbots in the scam industry focused on "pig butchering," a text-based romance scam that shifts to fake crypto investments stealing six-figure sums. They simulated the scamming process, specifically the long trust-building conversations leading to fake investment solicitations. The study found AI chatbots performed remarkably well in the relationship-establishing stages, often outperforming human scammers in impersonation and trust-building over months-long interactions.