Major Scam Under the Guise of ChatGPT and Google Gemini Subscriptions! Here’s How Users Are Losing Their Money

AI Chatbot Subscription Scam: The modus operandi behind this fraud is quite cunning. A user first subscribes to an AI chatbot and continues to use it in the normal manner.

AI Chatbot Subscription Scam: With the increasing use of digital services, new methods of fraud are also emerging. Recently, cases have surfaced where, after subscribing to an AI chatbot, money began to be deducted from users’ accounts without their permission. A key detail is that these transactions are executed under the guise of gift cards, which prevents people from becoming suspicious in the initial stages.

How Does This “Free Gift Card” Scam Work?

The method employed in this scam is highly deceptive. A user initially signs up for an AI chatbot subscription and continues to use the service as usual. After some time, gift cards begin to be purchased using the payment method linked to that very account—all without the user’s knowledge or consent.

These transactions appear on bank statements under the name of the actual service provider, making them look completely legitimate. Often, the user even receives an email notification stating that they have sent a gift to someone, which only serves to heighten the confusion. It is important to note that this scam differs from genuine gift offers provided by telecom companies through their official apps, where the user actively claims the offer themselves.

Why Is It Difficult to Detect?

Identifying this type of fraud is no easy task. Since the charges often resemble standard subscription fees or payments for additional features, most people tend to overlook them. Furthermore, the payment processing takes place through a legitimate platform, meaning that banks do not immediately flag these transactions as suspicious. In many instances, the gift cards are sent to the user’s own email address, raising suspicions that either the email account has been compromised or a vulnerability within the system is being exploited.

How Significant Can the Financial Loss Be?

In this scam, the financial loss accumulates gradually. Sometimes, small amounts are deducted repeatedly over time; at other times, a large sum of money may be withdrawn in a single transaction. Many users have reported that they only became suspicious after thousands of rupees had already been deducted from their accounts. Although a refund may be obtainable later, the process is time-consuming and requires contacting both the bank and the service provider.

What immediate steps should be taken?

If you notice any suspicious transactions, take immediate action. First, contact the support team for the relevant service and request the cancellation of any unauthorized subscriptions. Additionally, notify your bank or credit card company and request a chargeback. For your security, the bank may block your current card and issue a new one. Furthermore, immediately change the passwords for all your critical accounts—especially your email and the associated service—and ensure that two-factor authentication is enabled.

What are companies doing?

Companies providing AI services are now incorporating new security features to monitor such activities. These features include identifying suspicious transactions and automatically canceling such subscriptions. However, the companies maintain that they have found no concrete evidence suggesting that payment details were leaked directly from their systems.

Vigilance is the Best Defense

AI chatbots have become an integral part of our lives today; however, protecting ourselves from the new forms of fraud associated with them is equally important. Regularly checking your bank statements and never ignoring any unfamiliar transactions remains your greatest safeguard.