The latest frontier of cybercrime uses not viruses, but artificial empathy. Codacons has issued a red alert regarding a new generation of digital scams overwhelming WhatsApp and Telegram users. These are no longer simple, poorly spelled messages, but a sophisticated system where Artificial Intelligence is trained to "seduce" victims, establishing relationships of trust that last for weeks before launching the attack on their savings.
The “wrong message” trap
It all starts with a seemingly innocuous approach: a "Hi, is that you?" or a banal question sent from an unknown number. If the user responds, the social engineering protocol kicks in. The profiles appear impeccable: photos of young women or reassuring professionals, regularly updated statuses, and a friendly, conversational tone.
However, as the consumer association notes, the reality is quite different. Behind what appears to be a real person looking for friendship, there are often advanced chatbots capable of managing thousands of chats simultaneously, adapting their language and responses to appear as credible as possible and, in the process, collecting sensitive data about the victim.
From confidence to financial abyss
The core of the scam lies in patience. The artificial interlocutor doesn't ask for money right away, but builds a climate of trust that can last days or even weeks. Only when the connection appears solid does the offer come into play: an online trading opportunity or cryptocurrency investments with guaranteed profits.
Victims are directed to investment platforms that seemingly display growing graphs and portfolios that soar after the first small deposits. "These are completely manipulated interfaces," warns Codacons. The data displayed is fictitious, purposefully created to push users into investing increasingly large sums.
The wall of "unlocking costs"
The awakening from the dream occurs at the moment of withdrawal. When the user attempts to redeem their earnings, the platform demands further payments for alleged "fees," "commissions," or "account unblocking." This is the final act of the scam: once every last cent has been extorted, the social media profiles disappear, leaving the victim with an empty account and the impossibility of tracing the perpetrators.
The appeal: "Beware of easy gains"
Francesco Tanasi, jurist and National Secretary of Codacons, intervened on the issue:
We are facing a dangerous evolution. Artificial intelligence is allowing criminal organizations to scale up scams to previously unthinkable levels. We urge citizens to be extremely cautious: never share financial information with those you've only met online, especially if they promise miraculous returns in a short time.
HOW TO REPORT
For those who suspect they have fallen into the trap of these scammers or need legal assistance, Codacons has made two direct channels available:
Email: sportellocodacons@gmail.com
WhatsApp: 371 5201706
Choose the social channel you want to subscribe to