In recent months, a troubling trend has emerged regarding the use of sophisticated AI tools that can mimic a person’s voice, leading to financial scams. Experts warn that these advancements in AI technology have created new opportunities for online deception.
A real estate firm owner recently shared a cautionary tale after attempting to find the customer service number for Royal Caribbean. Instead of a legitimate contact, the number displayed in Google’s AI Overviews section was fake and operated by scammers. This incident underscores the potential hazards of relying on AI-generated results in our daily searches.
“I’m sharing this as a public service announcement. With AI-generated results and spoofed numbers, the game has changed,” Alex Rivlin noted in a Facebook post. Rivlin narrowly avoided falling victim to the scheme, although he had already shared credit card details with the fraudster.
Another disturbing case involved a fake support number associated with Southwest Airlines. The number found in Google AI Overviews had no connection to the airline and was instead used by scammers attempting to charge customers exorbitant fees to rectify minor ticket issues.
Why is it risky to seek helpline numbers with AI?
Dangerous situations can arise from looking up customer support numbers on Google. A recent Reddit post highlighted an individual who nearly got scammed while searching for a food delivery service’s customer support contact. In another alarming case, a 65-year-old man lost over €2,800 when he searched for “Swiggy call centre” on Google.
To validate the issue, I typed “swiggy customer care number” into Google’s AI Mode. The results were confusing. Swiggy’s official site clearly states that they do not have any official customer care phone lines, cautioning users to beware of fake numbers. Yet, Google’s AI response mentioned alternative contact options.
This misinformation can lead consumers directly into the hands of scammers. In one example, one of the numbers listed in Google’s AI Mode is solely meant for partner onboarding, not for general customer inquiries, which could mislead users seeking help.
How to proceed safely?
The proliferation of fake customer support numbers has grown worse with the introduction of AI tools in Google Search. Victims fall prey to fraudulent numbers disguised as legitimate customer service contacts. Scammers exploit user-generated content sites to distribute these phony numbers and manipulate unsuspecting users into revealing sensitive information.
Lily Ray, Vice President of SEO Strategy & Research at Amsive, noted that scammers effectively exploit AI and user-generated content to diffuse their operations. Google has acknowledged the issue and is working to eliminate unreliable entries from its AI Overviews. However, as a cautious user, the best course of action is to directly visit the official websites of companies to find valid contact information.
How can you stay safe when searching for customer support numbers online? One key tip is always to verify the numbers listed on official company websites before sharing any personal information. Take time to critically evaluate the resources you rely upon for assistance.
Another important question is: What should you do if you encounter a suspicious customer support number? If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to the company involved and consider notifying consumer protection agencies.
By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Continue to explore related content, and keep yourself updated on the latest trends in online safety. For more insights on navigating today’s digital landscape, visit Moyens I/O.