Scam Alert: Google takes legal action against scammers exploiting Bard AI hype

In a move to combat scammers capitalising on the buzz surrounding generative AI, Google has filed a lawsuit against individuals, suspected to be based in Vietnam, who are using the excitement around Google's generative AI service Bard to deceive users into downloading malware.

Google has identified scammers setting up social media pages and running ads, enticing users to download the supposed latest version of Google Bard, a generative AI service. These individuals, not affiliated with Google, use the company's trademarks to create a false association and lure unsuspecting victims into downloading malware onto their computers.

Deceptive methods & theft credentials

The scammers employ deceptive tactics by claiming to provide the latest version of Google Bard for download. Once users fall for the trap, the download delivers malware, which is designed to steal social media credentials from the victims. This stolen information becomes a tool for the scammers to exploit.

Exploiting public interest in emerging technologies

Similar to crypto scams, the lawsuit highlights how scammers exploit the public's interest in emerging technologies.

In this case, the scammers create the illusion that Bard is a paid service or app that users need to download, even though it is freely available at bard.google.com. This misuse of trust demonstrates how scammers manipulate people who may not fully understand the intricacies of the technology.

Google's legal response

Google has taken proactive measures by filing a lawsuit against these scammers. The company has already submitted approximately 300 takedown requests related to these malicious activities.

Google aims not only to establish a legal precedent but also to disrupt the tools used by scammers, prevent the setup of future malicious domains, and disable existing domains through cooperation with US domain registrars.

In a blog post, Google's General Counsel, Halimah DeLaine Prado, emphasised the effectiveness of lawsuits in raising the consequences for bad actors and creating a legal deterrent against such fraudulent activities. The company remains committed to protecting users from scams and maintaining the integrity of its services.