AI Scams: Fake Delivery Drivers Trap French People with SMS

Delivery scams, well-known for their ability to exploit security vulnerabilities, are taking on a new dimension in France. Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to steal personal and banking data by playing on urgency. Recently, these scams have reached an unprecedented level of personalization. The criminals rely on information from data breaches affecting carriers such as Colis Privé, Chronopost, and Mondial Relay. This information includes names, addresses, and even the authentic tracking numbers of the affected packages.

The major innovation of these scams lies in the use of images generated by artificial intelligence. These visuals, which are flooding in through testimonials, show a fake delivery person holding a package, with a well-stocked van in the background. While some may spot the deception, those waiting for an important delivery are at risk of being misled.

A Two-Phase Scam

The fraudsters do not stop there. They add the full name of the target to the fake image of the package, which can unsettle victims. The message often states that the delivery could not be completed because the package did not fit in the mailbox, prompting the victim to click on a fraudulent link to provide new delivery instructions.

By clicking, the victim is redirected to a fake carrier website. To reschedule the delivery, a payment is requested, and this is where the trap closes. Although the bank account is not debited, sensitive information is captured by the scammers, who can then take action.

As explained by 01Net, the second phase of the scam is set in motion quickly. The victim is contacted by a fake bank advisor claiming to have detected suspicious transactions on their credit card. This fake advisor then attempts to directly extract money from the victim's account.

A Global Threat

This issue transcends French borders. An information note published by researchers at Columbia University reveals that AI is rapidly becoming the preferred method for financial scams. In the United States, losses due to these scams are estimated at $12.3 billion in 2023. This figure could reach $40 billion by 2025, highlighting the global urgency of the situation. It is crucial to remain vigilant and never click on suspicious links or share sensitive information over the phone, even if the caller seems insistent.