Bulgarians who mistake content created by artificial intelligence (AI) for genuine are nearly four times more vulnerable to scams, according to the results of a Visa study. Here's what we learn from it and how to protect ourselves.
The study, conducted by Opinium on behalf of Visa in 11 European countries, shows that 58% of Bulgarians who do not recognize AI-generated content are more susceptible to fraud, compared to only 16% of those who can tell the difference.
Key findings:
- Victims of online scams in Bulgaria lose an average of 281 BGN per case, leading to annual losses of 160.5 million BGN.
- 26% of those affected have spent over 24 hours resolving the problem.
- Users who share unverified content are more vulnerable (35% versus 22%).
- 43% rarely read more than the headlines on social media.
- 28% have shared posts without checking their authenticity.
- 1.6 million users have stopped online shopping due to scams.
How AI is changing the game:
AI makes it easier for scammers to create convincing content that imitates authenticity. Fake business pages, glossy ads, celebrity claims, and private messages can be generated with AI and look completely genuine.
How to protect yourself:
- Check the source: Be suspicious of suspicious ads, posts, and profiles.
- Slow down: Before taking action, check the offer, research the company, and read reviews.
- Don't trust messages from "friends" or "influencers": Verify them through independent contact.
- Protect your profiles: Use two-factor authentication and keep your devices up to date.
- Report suspicious activities: Report scams to the platform and to your bank.
- Don't share bank details: Use secure payment methods.
Visa is investing in technologies, including AI, to detect fraud. The company calls on all stakeholders to work together to increase digital trust.
In conclusion, the growing role of AI requires users to be more vigilant and critical of online content. By applying the suggested steps, they can significantly reduce the risk of falling into the trap of fraudulent schemes.