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ChatGPT, a great tool but also being used by scammers to target consumers

With 25 million daily users, text and conversations from Chat GPT can be tricky to discern. Scammers now use the tool to make conversations with real people more believable.

With all the media coverage surrounding Chat GPT, you've probably heard of the Artificial Intelligence conversation software. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be cautious because the person they think you're talking to online could be a Chat GPT scammer. KRPS's Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

It's estimated that ChatGPT had 100 million worldwide users in January of this year, just two months after launch, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Scammers have started using ChatGPT to make their malware threats, phishing attempts, and fake profiles more convincing and interactive.

Scammers using ChatGPT can create the illusion of a natural person by quickly generating well-written copy and believable responses to victims' messages. This can make it harder for victims to identify that they're being scammed. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to use extreme caution if they receive a message from someone they don't know. Don't click on included links or provide requested personal information.

Also, contact the company or agency directly to confirm its authenticity if the message appears from a legitimate organization, such as a bank or government agency.

One aspect to keep an eye on concerning Chat GPT is that AI-written text often uses the exact words repeatedly. It also uses short sentences with unimaginative language and no idioms or contractions. For 89 9 KRPS News, I'm Fred Fletcher-Fierro

Since 2017 Fred Fletcher-Fierro has driven up Highway 171 through thunderstorms, downpours, snow, and ice storms to host KRPS’s Morning Edition. He’s also a daily reporter for the station, covering city government, elections, public safety, arts, entertainment, culture, sports and more. Fred has also spearheaded and overseen a sea change in programming for KRPS from a legacy classical station to one that airs a balance of classical, news, jazz, and cultural programming that better reflects the diverse audience of the Four States. For over two months in the fall of 2022 he worked remotely with NPR staff to relaunch krps.org to an NPR style news and information website.

In the fall of 2023 Fred was promoted to Interim General Manager and was appointed GM in Feburary of 2024.