tech
‘We detected unusual activity’: the scam that uses AI to exploit your holiday photos
Fraudsters use pictures posted on Instagram or Facebook to create emails seeking bank account details
TL;DR
- Criminals are using AI to analyze social media photos to identify travel locations.
- This allows them to create more convincing phishing scams by referencing specific places.
- AI models can accurately pinpoint locations from images with recognizable landmarks, signage, or architecture.
- Even less detailed photos might reveal the country, which is sufficient for scammers.
- To protect yourself, delay posting holiday photos until after returning home and adjust privacy settings.
- Be wary of urgent messages and avoid clicking on links in suspicious texts or emails; contact your bank directly using official details.