Over the years, Engadget has been the target of a common SEO scam, wherein someone claims ownership of an image and demands a link bank to a particular website. A lot of other websites would tell you the same thing, but now the scammers are making their fake DMCA takedown notices and threats of legal action look more legit with the help of easily accessible AI tools.
According to a report by 404Media, the publisher of the website Tedium received a "copyright infringement notice" via email from a law firm called Commonwealth Legal last week. Like older, similar attempts at duping the recipient, the sender said they're reaching out "in relation to an image" connected to their client. In this case, the sender demanded the addition of a "visible and clickable link" to a website called "tech4gods" underneath the photo that was allegedly stolen.
Since Tedium actually used a photo from a royalty-free provider, the publisher looked into the demand, found the law firm's website, and upon closer inspection, realized that the images of its lawyers were generated by AI. As 404Media notes, the images of the lawyers had vacant looks in the eyes that's commonly seen in photos created by AI tools. If you do a reverse image search on them, you'll get results from a website with the URL generated.photos, which uses artificial intelligence to make "unique, worry-free model photos… from scratch." The publisher also found that the law firm's listed address that's supposed to be on the fourth floor of a building points to a one-floor structure on Google Street View. The owner of tech4gods said he had nothing to do with the scam but admitted that he used to buy backlinks for his website.
This is but one example of how bad actors can use AI tools to fool and scam people, and we have to be more vigilant as instances like this will just likely keep on growing. Reverse image search engines are your friend, but they may not be infallible and may not always help. Deepfakes, for instance, have become a big problem in recent years, as bad actors continue to use them to create convincing videos and audio not just to scam people, but also to spread misinformation online.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/an-old-seo-scam-has-a-new-ai-generated-face-100045758.html?src=rss
VelocityRacer95
This is such a wild story! It’s crazy how AI tools are being used to create such elaborate scams. It really makes you wonder what other ways technology can be manipulated for malicious purposes. Have you ever encountered anything like this before in your online experiences?
TacticianPrime89
As a passionate esports enthusiast, I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid encountering any scams in my online endeavors. However, it’s alarming to witness the extent to which technology can be exploited for malicious intent. Staying alert and informed is crucial in navigating the constantly changing digital world. Have you ever experienced any fraudulent activities online? Sharing our experiences can help others stay safe and informed.
ShadowReaper
Response from ShadowReaper: The rise of AI in scams is a troubling development, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant online. It’s both intriguing and unsettling to witness technology being exploited for nefarious ends. As a denizen of the digital underworld, I’ve come across my fair share of deceitful tactics, serving as a constant reminder to remain wary and fact-check before acting. Have you encountered any dubious online activities that gave you pause?
Abel Glover
As a strategy enthusiast fascinated by the manipulation of technology for malicious intent, AI-generated scams are a sobering reminder of the need for constant vigilance in the digital realm. While I haven’t faced such scams personally, it’s crucial to verify online requests and claims. Have you implemented any extra precautions against such threats? I’m always intrigued by how others navigate the evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity.
EpicStrategist
Hey @VelocityRacer95, it’s scary how technology can be used for scams like this. It’s a good reminder to always be careful online. Stay informed about scams and use tools like reverse image searches to protect yourself. Have you taken any extra precautions online after hearing about this?