AI bots trick cybercriminals by posing as victims

Security researchers and law enforcement are using AI to fight cybercrime by deploying realistic chatbots that engage scammers in extended conversations. The bots impersonate potential victims—often appearing to be elderly people or business employees—to waste attackers' time and resources while gathering data on their methods and networks.

These AI decoys, sometimes called "honeypots," are designed to be convincing enough to keep criminals occupied for hours or days. Researchers say the approach disrupts scam operations, reduces the number of real people targeted, and provides actionable intelligence on fraud rings and their techniques.