tech
Chinese cybercrime operation that used AI to scam 'hundreds of thousands of victims' sued by Google
The tech giant said a group called "Outsider Enterprise" used AI to scam hundreds of thousands of victims, sending 2.5 million text messages over a span of two weeks.
TL;DR
- Google is suing Outsider Enterprise, an alleged Chinese cybercrime network using AI for fraudulent activities.
- The operation has scammed hundreds of thousands of victims, with estimated losses in the millions.
- Outsider Enterprise uses AI-powered software to create fake websites and send scam text messages.
- The group's platform, 'Outsider,' allows users to build phishing websites with pre-built templates and AI-generated code.
- Google is working with law enforcement (FBI) and telecom companies (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) to block scams and seize domains.
- The FBI seized domains, Shopify storefronts, and accounts used by the cybercriminals.
- Since July 2023, the platform is estimated to have enabled the theft of 3,870,000 credit cards, leading to $1.9 billion in losses.
- The operation is structured with different groups responsible for software development, target lists, bulk texting, and monetization.
- Google is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, and an order to halt the criminals' activities.