A worldwide gambling scam network has popped up using AI to trick victims on a huge scale. Group-IB, a cybersecurity company, has uncovered that this operation covers over 1,300 dangerous websites and 500 fake ads, with some people losing as much as $10,000. These scams pretend to be real betting apps aiming to get hold of users’ personal and financial information by promising quick and easy cash.
Scammers Use Cutting-Edge AI to Craft Deceptive Local Ads
The bad guys use cutting-edge AI software to make ads that appeal to people in different areas making them seem reliable and from the local region. These ads often have computer-made voices speaking various languages and local accents, which makes them even more believable.
Group-IB’s study shows they use made-up stories and fake reviews to trick people. These reviews, with pictures and screenshots of supposed winners, create a false sense of trust that gets users to download the scam apps. The apps are not on official stores but are shared through sideloaded APK files, which lets them skip the safety checks that protect users from harmful software.
The scam is extensive, going after people in Egypt, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe, and Asia. Group-IB found more than 200 fake ads targeting Egyptians, 160 aimed at the GCC, and 140 spread across Europe and Asia. These ads use local money and made-up stories to seem more real. Some even pretend to be famous banks to look trustworthy. The scammers trick people into giving away personal information when they sign up for the app. Then they use this information to steal money.
Global Cybercrime Schemes Exploit Smart Targeting
The fraudulent scheme reflects a broader trend in cybercrime. Crooks use social media’s big audience and smart ad targeting to trick people who might fall for it. They hook users by promising big money fast. However, people who fall for that lose cash and give away private information.
Experts tell users to watch out for betting app ads that promise quick and easy profits. They stress that you should get apps from trusted app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. They also recommend to check if the advertised services are real.
At the same time, businesses should keep an eye on their online presence. They need to guard their brand against fakes as these scams can shake people’s trust and hurt a company’s good name. The way AI and smart targeting are used in this worldwide scam shows how it is getting harder to fight online fraud. To keep people and companies safe from these more advanced schemes, it is crucial to stay alert and informed.
