Fake AI Tools Are Being Used to Spread Dangerous Malware

 

As artificial intelligence becomes more popular, scammers are using its hype to fool people. A new warning reveals that hackers are creating fake AI apps and promoting them online to trick users into downloading harmful software onto their devices.

These scams are showing up on social media apps like TikTok, where videos use robotic-sounding voices to guide viewers on how to install what they claim are “free” or “pirated” versions of expensive software. But when people follow the steps in these videos, they end up installing malware instead — which can secretly steal sensitive information from their devices.

Security researchers recently found that cybercriminals are even setting up realistic-looking websites for fake AI products. They pretend to offer free access to well-known tools like Luma AI or Canva Dream Lab. These fake websites often appear in ads on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, making them seem trustworthy.

Once someone downloads the files from these scam sites, their device can be infected with malware. This software may secretly collect usernames, passwords, saved login details from browsers like Chrome and Firefox, and even access personal files. It can also target cryptocurrency wallets and other private data.

One known hacker group based in Vietnam has been pushing out malware through these methods. The malicious programs don’t go away even after restarting the computer, and in some cases, hackers can take full remote control of the infected device.

Some fake AI tools are even disguised as paid services. For instance, one scam pretends to offer a free one-year trial of a tool called “NovaLeadsAI,” followed by a paid subscription. But downloading this tool installs ransomware — a type of malware that locks all your files and demands a large payment to unlock them. One version asked victims for $50,000 in cryptocurrency, falsely claiming the money would go to charity.

Other fake tools include ones pretending to be ChatGPT or video-making apps. Some of these can destroy files or make your entire device unusable.

To protect yourself, avoid downloading AI apps from unknown sources or clicking on links shared in social media ads. Stick to official websites, and if an offer seems unbelievably good, it’s probably a scam. Always double-check before installing any new program, especially ones promising free AI features.