U.S. CFTC Uncovers AI-Related Fraud Schemes Resulting in $1.7 Billion Bitcoin Loss

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has recently released a customer advisory cautioning the public about crypto scams involving Artificial Intelligence. The advisory focuses on fraudsters’ deceptive use of AI technology to lure investors into false claims, leading to financial losses.

AI Scams on the Rise

In its press release titled “Customer Advisory: AI Won’t Turn Trading Bots into Money Machines,” the CFTC highlights the increasing number of cryptocurrency scamps using AI. Scammers exploit the public’s interest in AI, making extravagant claims of generating substantial returns through trading bots, trade signal algorithms, and crypto-asset arbitrage algorithms.

To help customers stay cautious, the CFTC has also issued advisory warning signs, particularly against claims of high or guaranteed returns indicating potential crypto fraud. The activeness of social media platforms and “influencers” further help spread false information. The CFTC urges investors to ignore strangers promoting such claims online.

AI Technology Limitations

CFTC strengthens the fact that AI technology cannot predict future crypto or financial market changes. Hence, any claims suggesting otherwise are red flags. To help investors identify and avoid potential scams, the CFTC provides four crucial considerations, namely – 

Case Study: Mirror Trading International

The CFTC has included a notable case study involving Cornelius Johannes Steynberg, who orchestrated a Ponzi scheme, stealing over $1.7 billion in Bitcoins from thousands of individuals. Steynberg falsely claimed to use a proprietary bot trading program, guaranteeing significant monthly returns. The case highlights the deceptive nature of crypto scams exploiting AI technology.

Not only Ponzi schemes, but cybercriminals using AI, use several other tactics such as creating deepfakes, hijacking YouTube channels, and executing classic “Double Your Crypto” scams. Bitdefender’s recent Steam-Jacking 2.0 report reveals the sophistication of these cybercriminal tactics by impersonating prominent brands and figures like XRP, MicroStrategy, Elon Musk, and Binance.

In Conclusion

As AI crypto scams are on the rise, now involving Bitcoins in the stock market, the CFTC’s Customer Advisory serves a crucial purpose to educate and remind investors of such potential risks. 

CFTC’s Office of Customer Education and Outreach (OCEO) is dedicated to helping customers protect themselves from fraud. The OCEO engages in outreach and education initiatives, partnering with regulators and consumer protection groups. The advisory encourages individuals to report suspicious activities or information, promoting transparency and accountability.