A Growing Digital Threat: Tech Chatbot Scams
We’re on our computers all the time, at work and at home. Right now, you might be filing your taxes online, buying a birthday gift for a friend, or taking an online class. Scammers know this too and they’re getting more sophisticated every day. According to the March/April edition of the AARP Bulletin, one of the biggest scams to watch out for in 2025 is “Tech Chatbot Scams”.
How Tech Chatbot Scams Operate
Tech chatbot scams use AI-powered chatbots that mimic how legitimate individuals and companies communicate. These chatbots engage users in conversations, often through text messages, emails, or messaging apps, in order to build trust, obtain personal information, or coerce you for payment.
Imagine this. You’re in the middle of filing your taxes online and a pop-up message appears on your screen. The message says that your device is infected with a virus or has some technical problem. The scammers then convince you to give them remote access to your computer or to pay for unnecessary software or services to fix the problem. You panic and click a link or call a number in the pop-up message. With that one click or call, you become the latest victim. According to Axios, in 2023, Americans reported losses of about $1.3 billion due to government and tech support impersonation scams.
Imagine this. You’re in the middle of filing your taxes online and a pop-up message appears on your screen. The message says that your device is infected with a virus or has some technical problem. The scammers then convince you to give them remote access to your computer or to pay for unnecessary software or services to fix the problem. You panic and click a link or call a number in the pop-up message. With that one click or call, you become the latest victim. According to Axios, in 2023, Americans reported losses of about $1.3 billion due to government and tech support impersonation scams.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself Before Getting Scammed?
- Verify Communications: Be suspicious of unsolicited messages, especially those requesting personal information or payments. Verify the identity of the sender through official channels before responding.
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources, because they may contain malware or lead to phishing websites.
- Use Strong Authentication Methods: Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) for online accounts to add an extra layer of security. Prefer app-based MFA tools (like Authenticators from Google, Microsoft, or LastPass) over text-based codes, which can be more easily intercepted.
- Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on the latest scam tactics. This is where Monterra Credit Union’s Fraud & Security Center can help. Here, you can learn about common frauds and scams, how to report fraud to us, how to set up account alerts, and more.
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