May 19, 2023
1 min read

Fake ChatGPT apps exploiting users

While OpenAI provides basic ChatGPT functionality to users for free online, these apps charged anywhere from $10 per month to $70 per year…reports Asian Lite News

Experts have exposed several apps as ChatGPT-based chatbots that overcharge users and bring in thousands of dollars a month, a new report showed on Thursday.

According to cybersecurity company Sophos, there are a number of free apps that are available on Google Play and Apple App Store, but because they provide little functionality and are constantly ad-ridden, they entice unsuspecting users to subscribe for hundreds of dollars a year.

“With interest in AI and chatbots arguably at an all-time high, users are turning to the Apple App and Google Play Stores to download anything that resembles ChatGPT. These types of scam apps — what Sophos has dubbed ‘fleeceware’ — often bombard users with ads until they sign up for a subscription,” said Sean Gallagher, principal threat researcher, Sophos.

According to the report, experts investigated five of these ChatGPT fleeceware apps, all of which claimed to be based on ChatGPT’s algorithm.

For instance, developers of the app “Chat GBT” used ChatGPT’s name to boost their rankings in Google Play or App Store.

While OpenAI provides basic ChatGPT functionality to users for free online, these apps charged anywhere from $10 per month to $70 per year.

After a three-day free trial, the iOS version of “Chat GBT”, called Ask AI Assistant, charges $6 per week — or $312 per year — after earning the developers $10,000 in March alone, the report said.

Moreover, the report mentioned that another fleeceware-like app, Genie, which encourages users to sign up for a $7 weekly or $70 annual subscription, earned $1 million in the previous month.

“While some of the ChatGPT fleeceware apps included in this report have already been taken down, more continue to pop up – and it’s likely more will appear. The best protection is education. Users need to be aware that these apps exist and always be sure to read the fine print whenever hitting ‘subscribe’,” said Gallagher.

ALSO READ-New ChatGPT, Bard like AI tool to turn thoughts into text

Previous Story

UK govt bans Russian diamonds

Next Story

Writing with AI tools can have bias, reveals study

Latest from Tech Lite

EVs Drive Cleaner Cities

Each EV is equipped with GPS tracking for real-time monitoring and efficiently serves the city’s 159.46 square kilometre area The use of electric vehicles (EVs) in household waste collection is ushering in

India’s Digital Decade Rise

Arundhati Bhattacharya, President and CEO at Salesforce-South Asia and recipient of the Padma Shri, sat down with IANS at an event in the capital to reflect on India’s transformation into a digital

OpenAI Expands In India

This programme, now part of the broader ‘OpenAI Academy’, focuses on real-world impact through hands-on guidance, early access to tools, and shared learning Indians have emerged as the most enthusiastic population globally

Accel Puts India’s AI Power in the Spotlight

Under the theme “Engineering India’s AI Advantage,” the exclusive, invite-only event will bring together leading AI founders, researchers, tech CXOs, policymakers, and global investors….reports Asian Lite News Global venture capital firm Accel

Universities Embrace AI Future

Echoing this sentiment, Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of UoS, emphasised the value of academic partnerships in nurturing innovation across the UAE’s education sector The American University of Sharjah (AUS) hosted the concluding
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Altman Resumes Leadership at OpenAI

OpenAI said that it has reached an agreement in principle

ChatGPT fails when it comes to accounting

On a 11.3 per cent of questions, ChatGPT scored higher