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Amidst the growing usage of digital services, a new threat has now emerged. This new scam revolves around AI chatbot subscriptions, wherein money is being deducted from users' cards without their consent. In many instances, people only realized what was happening after significant amounts had already been transacted from their accounts. Most notably, these transactions appear completely normal on the surface, making it difficult to arouse suspicion. 

This scam specifically targets users who utilize AI tools and chatbot services. Often, users voluntarily sign up for a subscription, but subsequently, fraudulent charges begin appearing under the guise of that very same platform. This leads the user to believe that these charges are a legitimate part of the service, whereas, in reality, they constitute fraud.

According to a report by Moneycontrol, fraudsters involved in this scam exploit the "gift" feature available on AI platforms. As soon as a user subscribes to a chatbot, their payment method is saved within the system. Subsequently—and without the user's knowledge—gift cards begin to be purchased using that very same account. These transactions appear on bank statements under the name of the same company, leading the user to assume that the charge is legitimate. In many cases, users even receive emails notifying them that a gift has been sent, further complicating the situation.

**Why Is It Difficult to Detect?**

Identifying this fraud is no easy task. The primary reason is that the payments are being processed through a legitimate platform. Consequently, banks do not immediately flag these transactions as suspicious. A second challenge is that the transactions often resemble standard subscription fees or add-on purchases. Frequently, the fraud begins with small, incremental deductions that eventually escalate into larger amounts. In some instances, there is also a possibility that scammers gain unauthorized access to the user's email account or exploit vulnerabilities within the system. As a result, users often remain unaware of the fraud until much later.

**How Much Are Users Losing?**

The financial losses incurred in this scam can mount very rapidly. Numerous reports indicate that multiple transactions often occur in quick succession. In some instances, hundreds of dollars have been deducted before users could manage to block their cards. Even if a refund is eventually issued, the process takes time. Users are required to follow up with both their bank and the service provider.

**What to Do Immediately**
If you notice any unfamiliar transactions in your account, it is crucial to take immediate action. First, contact the support team for the specific service and request the cancellation of all unauthorized subscriptions. Additionally, notify your bank or credit card company immediately. If necessary, have your card blocked and file a chargeback request. Furthermore, immediately change the passwords for your email and any associated accounts. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to mitigate such risks in the future.

**What Companies Are Doing**
Several companies state that they are implementing new systems to detect suspicious transactions. These measures include tracking unusual purchases and automatically canceling fraudulent subscriptions. However, the companies also maintain that they have found no evidence indicating that payment details were leaked directly from their systems. This implies that the threat has not been eliminated, and users must remain vigilant themselves.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.