The police department of the Abai region has warned residents about a new online fraud scheme in which criminals use artificial intelligence to deceive buyers, reports infohub.kz.
According to the department, criminals are increasingly using modern technologies, including AI, to devise new ways to defraud citizens. Police noted that scammers post fake ads for household appliances, mobile phones, furniture, and other goods on popular online platforms, then contact potential buyers.
To gain trust, they convince the person that the deal is almost complete. They may send messages like "The item is ready," "A courier will pick it up soon," or "If you transfer money now, delivery will be arranged." Police say such messages could be part of a scam.
To make their scheme more convincing, fraudsters use AI to create fake photos, documents, and videos as proof. For example, they may send edited images of the product, or fake photos or videos allegedly showing that a courier has arrived or the item is ready for shipment.
The main goal is to pressure the victim into rushing a money transfer. Police urge people not to pay in advance without seeing the item in person, and not to rely solely on photos or videos as confirmation. They also advise against clicking suspicious links, sharing bank card details, SMS codes, or personal information, and recommend carefully checking the seller's profile and contact number.
Law enforcement advises caution with deals that seem too good to be true, where the price is too low, or where the seller pressures you to decide quickly or respond immediately. Finally, the department reminded that scammers exploit people's trust, and AI makes their methods even more sophisticated. If you encounter suspicious activity or fall victim to online fraud, contact the police immediately.