Imagine you’re a business owner using Facebook to connect with your customers. One day, you’re startled by a message threatening to disable your Facebook page due to alleged policy violations, pressuring you to click a link to fix the issue. The link goes to a page that also looks like Facebook and you’re prompted to verify your identity or enter your login details. This is a scam. This is not just an isolated incident but a prevalent scam targeting businesses and leading to substantial financial losses.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be a game-changer in tackling this issue. Facebook has successfully applied AI to protect its intellectual property and counter harmful content, demonstrating the technology’s effectiveness. AI appears to be already well-suited to identify and block these scam messages however the problem continues. Given AI’s rapid development, meaningful progress in combating these scams could come in the next 1 to 2 years.
The impact of such scams is not trivial. Businesses have suffered significant financial losses due to these deceptions. Even on a local level, I am aware of multiple businesses that have lost access to one or multiple of their social profiles. Implementing AI to combat these threats would not only provide security for businesses but protect customers and users of social platforms from falling victim to a hacked business.
The need is clear, the solution is within reach, and the urgency to act is now. As we look forward, the hope is that AI will soon be fully harnessed to defend businesses against these digital predators, ensuring a safer and more trustworthy online experience for all.
If you have been caught up in a similar scam, feel free to contact us for advice. If you managing a business on social media, be very cautious of the links you follow, just as you would with incoming emails.