AI-powered chatbots are trending now, as these computer programs have become one of the most powerful tools on the internet. Because of its popularity, fake AI chatbot apps are also becoming popular, which cybercriminals can use to attack you. Here's how to avoid these scenarios. 

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: In this photo illustration, the OpenAI "ChatGPT" AI-generated answer to the question "What can AI offer to humanity?" is seen on a laptop screen on February 03, 2023 in London, England.

Fake AI Chatbot Apps

As scammers enter the AI world by creating fake applications of chatbots, many people are being tricked into subscribing to their fake services that do not work at all. 

Fox News reported a list of some of the fake apps that are trying to pose as real AI chatbot apps. That includes Chat GBT, posing as an alternative to OpenAI's ChatGPT. 

Once opened, the application came filled with ads and prevented users who downloaded it from using any of its services after three attempts, which prompted people to pay $10 monthly or $30 yearly to use it. The Chat GBT has since been removed from the Google Play Store.

However, another fake app is still up on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and this is AI Chatbot Assistant - Ask AI, which is similar to Chat GBT that limits users to three inputs per day before locking them out and pushing users to enroll in a $6 subscription per week.

Another app still up on the App Store is the Chat AI Ask Chatbot Assistant, which repeatedly prompts users to pay a subscription fee of $8 per week and will take several minutes before allowing users to get rid of the prompt. 

One suspicious thing about this app is that it tried to mimic the OpenAI logo and constantly changed its name. It also asks users to track their activity across other sites. 

Genie AI is no different from these fake applications as it shows similar qualities. Not only will it ask users to track them upon installation, but it will also lead you to rate the app even before using it. Users only get four free questions per day with a three-day free trial.  

The app also asks users to enroll in subscription fees, giving them the option to pay $7 per week or $70 for a year. Genie AI is still on the App Store. 

Previously named AI Smith and AI Chatbot - Open Chat Writer, AI Chatbot: Open Chat AI provides screenshots on the App Store. But it does not look like the actual app after you install it.

The app has a five-message limit per day for users without a subscription. However, users will be prompted repeatedly to pay for subscriptions, look at unwanted ads, and rate the app or look.

Also Read: Instagram Appears To Be Working on an AI Chatbot

Avoiding Fake Apps

While Apple and Google have issued guidelines to prevent app fraud, these fake applications continue to increase. Sophos reported that scammers have been creating bogus applications hoping people will buy into them.

Aside from tricking people into downloading the app, they also make fake ratings and reviews to convince people that the apps are legit. To avoid these, do not download from a third-party site or not directly from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

People should also avoid using chatbots from smaller brands, always check the developer's information to know its credibility, and look for the application's source or official website. 

Users should also remember that regardless of which chatbot they use, they should never give their personal information, such as their Social Security number, banking details, and contacts. Big companies do not require people to provide them with personal information. 

You can also avoid being hacked by paying attention to permissions and requests by the app during installation and installing good antivirus software. Make sure that you also do not click on any potential malicious links. 

The Washington Post provided an official list of trusted AI chatbots to avoid scammers and cyberattacks. Aside from the popular chatbots from big corporations like OpenAI's ChatGPT, the list includes Bing AI, Bard, Claude, and Pi. While these are considered much safer, users should still exercise caution.

Related Article: Survey Says Students Embrace ChatGPT, but Draw the Line at Chatbot Cheating!