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Warning Issued: Google's AI in Its Search Might Link You to Swindlers – Find Out How

Be cautious of deceptive scams in Google's AI search outcomes. Misleading phone numbers found in AI Overviews and AI Mode have deceived users. Here's everything you should know to avoid getting scammed.

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Warning: Potential risk of being linked to fraudsters through Google AI in Search, explore...
Warning: Potential risk of being linked to fraudsters through Google AI in Search, explore precautions

In recent months, there has been a concerning increase in the number of scams using artificial intelligence (AI) to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such case involves Google's AI-powered search results, including AI Overviews and AI Mode, inadvertently connecting users with scammers.

Alex Rivlin, the owner of a real estate firm, recently had a negative experience with Google's AI Overview. While searching for Royal Caribbean's customer service number, he clicked on a number that was fake and operated by a scammer. Rivlin shared his experience on Facebook as a public service announcement, warning about the risks of AI-generated results and spoofed numbers.

Another victim was a 65-year-old man who lost over $3,000 after looking up "Swiggy call centre" on Google Search. Scammers used the number to charge him hundreds of dollars for solving simple issues like correcting ticket details.

Swiggy, the popular food delivery service, clearly states that it has no official customer care phone lines. Users are advised to beware of fake numbers that may appear in search results. The safest option to find a company's customer care numbers is to visit its official website.

This issue is not limited to Swiggy. Another similar case was reported with Southwest Airlines. A number shown in Google's AI Overview didn't exist on the airline's official website and was being used by scammers.

Google is aware of the issue and is working to remove unreliable entries from AI Overviews. The organization currently working to remove misleading entries from AI-powered search results is the British non-profit organization StopNCII. They partner with companies such as Google to proactively remove non-consensual intimate images from search results using unique digital hashes.

On Reddit, a user almost got trapped while searching for a food delivery service helpline. This underscores the need for users to exercise caution when using AI-powered search results.

As we continue to rely on AI for our daily needs, it is important to remember that these tools are not infallible. Always double-check information, especially when it comes to sensitive matters like customer service numbers or financial transactions. Stay safe online!

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