Asking AI: what else is fake on the internet? Can you list the (type of) companies that are benefiting from all these fake transactions?

Question 1 of 3 for AI services: please read https://p4sc4l.substack.com/p/how-ai-can-be-used-to-launder-information and watch The Amazon Review Scandal

Now I was aware of fake clicks, fake views, fake ads, deepfakes, fake traffic to websites, fake sellers, fake reviews / comments, fake social media profiles and fake and counterfeit goods. Can you complete this list and add more fake stuff that is on offer online or happening on the internet?

ChatGPT-4’s answer:Used Link Reader

Based on the content from the Substack article and the YouTube video, it's clear that the digital world is rife with various forms of deception and manipulation. Here are some additional types of "fake" phenomena that occur online:

1. Fake News and Disinformation: This is a significant issue, especially on social media platforms. Fake news refers to false information or propaganda published under the guise of being authentic news. Disinformation campaigns can be used to manipulate public opinion, sow discord, or influence elections.

2. Fake Followers and Likes: On social media platforms, it's common for individuals or companies to purchase fake followers or likes to boost their perceived popularity. This can mislead users about the actual influence or reach of a profile.

3. Fake Emails (Phishing): Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by pretending to be a trustworthy entity in an email.

4. Fake Websites: These are websites designed to mimic real websites with the intention of scamming visitors. They often look like shopping sites or banks, tricking people into providing their personal information or payment details.

5. Fake Apps: Fake apps usually mimic real apps and try to trick users into downloading them. Once installed, they can steal personal information, display unwanted ads, or even infect devices with malware.

6. Fake Contests or Giveaways: These are typically found on social media or through email campaigns. They lure users with the promise of prizes to collect personal information or spread malware.

7. Fake Charities: These are fraudulent organizations that pretend to be legitimate charities to solicit donations from unsuspecting individuals.

8. Fake Job Listings: These are posted by scammers on job sites to collect personal information from job seekers or to get them to pay for services, training, or background checks for a job that doesn't exist.

9. Deepfake Videos: Deepfakes use AI technology to create hyper-realistic but entirely fake video content. They can make it appear as though a person is saying or doing something they never did, which can be used for misinformation or manipulation.

10. Fake Online Personas (Catfishing): This involves someone creating a fake profile on social media or dating websites to trick others into emotional or romantic relationships, often to get money, personal details, or as a form of cyberbullying.

11. Fake Digital Advertising: This involves the use of bots to click on digital ads, creating the illusion of traffic and engagement to defraud advertisers.

12. Fake Software Updates: These are prompts that appear to be legitimate software updates but are actually attempts to infect your device with malware or steal your personal information.

Remember, it's essential to stay vigilant online and always verify the authenticity of information, especially when it involves sharing personal information or making a payment.

Google Bard’s answer:Sure, here are some more examples of fake stuff that is on offer online or happening on the internet:

• Fake news: This is false or misleading information that is presented as news. Fake news can be spread through social media, email, and other online platforms.

• Fake profiles: These are online profiles that are created by people who are not who they say they are. Fake profiles can be used to spread misinformation, scam people, or commit identity theft.

• Fake reviews: These are reviews of products or services that are written by people who have not actually used the product or service. Fake reviews can be used to manipulate people into buying products or services that they would not otherwise buy.

• Fake social media engagement: This is the practice of artificially inflating the number of likes, shares, and comments on social media posts. Fake social media engagement can be used to make a person or brand appear more popular or influential than they actually are.

• Fake traffic to websites: This is the practice of artificially inflating the number of visitors to a website. Fake traffic to websites can be used to make a website appear more popular or successful than it actually is.

• Fake identities: These are online identities that are created by people who are not who they say they are. Fake identities can be used to commit fraud, stalk people, or harass people.

• Fake products: These are products that are counterfeit or have been tampered with. Fake products can be dangerous or harmful to the user.

• Fake money: This is counterfeit money that is made to look like real money. Fake money can be used to commit fraud or to buy illegal goods or services.

• Fake lottery winnings: These are emails or text messages that claim that the recipient has won a lottery that they did not enter. Fake lottery winnings are a scam that is designed to steal people's personal information.

These are just a few examples of the many types of fake stuff that is on offer online or happening on the internet. It is important to be aware of these scams and to be careful about what information you share online.

Bing Chat’s answer:Here are some examples:

• Fake news: The use of online platforms or devices to spread false or misleading information, often with the intent to influence public opinion, sow discord, or promote an agenda.

• Fake followers: The use of bots, software, or services to artificially inflate the number of followers, likes, comments, or shares on social media platforms, often with the intent to boost popularity, credibility, or influence.

• Fake reviews: The use of online platforms or devices to post positive or negative reviews about a product, service, business, or person, often with the intent to manipulate ratings, rankings, or reputation.

• Fake products: The use of online platforms or devices to sell counterfeit or knock-off goods that imitate the appearance, quality, or functionality of genuine products, often with the intent to deceive buyers or infringe on intellectual property rights.

• Fake coupons: The use of online platforms or devices to create or distribute fake or expired coupons or vouchers that claim to offer discounts or freebies for various products or services, often with the intent to scam consumers or collect personal information.

• Fake charities: The use of online platforms or devices to solicit donations for fake or fraudulent causes, organizations, or individuals, often with the intent to exploit people’s generosity or compassion.

• Fake contests: The use of online platforms or devices to announce fake or rigged competitions or sweepstakes that claim to offer prizes or rewards for participants, often with the intent to collect fees, personal information, or bank details.

• Fake invoices: The use of online platforms or devices to send fake invoices or payment requests to businesses or individuals for goods or services that they did not order or receive1.

• Fake job listings: The use of online platforms or devices to post fake job openings or offers that claim to provide employment opportunities, often with the intent to collect fees, personal information, or bank details1.

These are just some of the examples of fake stuff that is on offer online or happening on the internet. There may be more types that I did not cover. Do you have any questions about these types of fake stuff? 😊

Claude’s answer:Some additional "fake" activities that unfortunately take place online include:

• Fake social media followers - Accounts that are bots or inactive profiles bought to artificially inflate someone's follower count.

• Fake news sites - Websites posing as legitimate news outlets but spreading misinformation or propaganda.

• Fake charities - Scammers create convincing websites for non-existent charities to collect donations.

• Fake investment opportunities - From Ponzi schemes to pump and dump stocks, fake investments abound online.

• Fake identities - Catfishing, stealing photos, and assuming false identities are common online scams.

• Fake support calls - Scammers cold call pretending to be tech support from major companies.

• Fake credentials - People claim qualifications, degrees, or certifications they don't actually have.

• Fake products - Counterfeit or knockoff goods sold online as the real deal.

• Fake reviews - Paid or AI-generated reviews to boost or attack specific businesses.

• Fake accounts - Bots and sock puppet accounts used for various deceptive purposes.

I hope this overview of some common online fakery and fraud helps create awareness. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

Question 2 of 3 for AI services: Can you list the (type of) companies that are benefiting from all these fake transactions?

ChatGPT-4’s answer:There are several types of companies and entities that may benefit, directly or indirectly, from these fake transactions or activities. However, it's important to note that benefiting from such activities is often unethical and can be illegal. Here are some examples:

1. Companies Selling Fake Services: These are companies that sell fake followers, likes, views, or reviews. They profit directly from these transactions.

2. Cybercriminal Enterprises: These are organizations that engage in phishing, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime. They profit from stealing personal information or tricking individuals into sending them money.

3. Advertising Fraud Companies: These companies use bots to generate fake clicks or views on digital advertisements, making money by charging advertisers for these interactions.

4. Unethical E-commerce Sellers: Some online sellers may use fake reviews to boost their products' ratings, making their products appear more attractive and thus increasing sales.

5. Scam Artists and Fraudsters: Individuals or groups that create fake charities, job listings, contests, or giveaways to trick people into giving them money or personal information.

6. Companies Involved in Disinformation Campaigns: Some entities may profit from spreading fake news or disinformation, either by attracting ad revenue from increased traffic or by manipulating public opinion to their advantage.

7. Unethical App Developers: Developers who create fake apps to trick users into downloading them can profit from stealing personal information, displaying unwanted ads, or infecting devices with malware.

8. Data Brokers: These companies collect and sell personal information. They may profit from data leaks or other illicit data collection methods.

9. Unethical Dating Websites or Apps: These platforms may benefit from fake profiles (catfishing) that lure in more users, leading to increased ad revenue or subscription fees.

10. Companies Creating Deepfake Technology: While there are legitimate uses for deepfake technology, companies that create this technology may indirectly benefit from its misuse.

It's crucial to remember that while these entities may benefit in the short term, such practices are generally illegal and unethical, and they can lead to significant penalties and damage to their reputation in the long term.

Google Bard’s answer:Sure, here are some of the types of companies that are benefiting from fake transactions:

• E-commerce companies: These companies sell products and services online, and they can benefit from fake transactions in a number of ways. For example, fake reviews can be used to boost the ranking of a product or seller, and fake traffic can be used to make a website appear more popular.

• Social media companies: These companies make money by selling advertising, and they can benefit from fake social media engagement in a number of ways. For example, fake likes, shares, and comments can be used to make a post appear more popular, and fake followers can be used to make an account appear more influential.

• Advertising companies: These companies sell advertising space to businesses, and they can benefit from fake traffic to websites. For example, if a website has a lot of fake traffic, it will appear more popular to advertisers, and the advertising company can charge more for advertising space on that website.

• SEO companies: These companies help businesses improve their search engine rankings, and they can benefit from fake traffic to websites. For example, if a website has a lot of fake traffic, it will appear more popular in search results, and the SEO company can charge more for their services.

• Cybercrime groups: These groups use fake transactions to commit fraud, steal personal information, and spread malware. They can benefit from fake transactions in a number of ways, including making money, gaining access to sensitive information, and disrupting businesses.

These are just a few of the types of companies that are benefiting from fake transactions. It is important to be aware of these scams and to be careful about what information you share online.

Bing Chat’s answer:I’m glad you’re interested in learning more about the fake stuff online. There are many types of fake stuff that can be found on the internet, and they can have different impacts on consumers, businesses, and society. Some of the companies that are benefiting from these fake transactions are:

• Fake news: Some companies that produce or distribute fake news may benefit from increased traffic, advertising revenue, or political influence. For example, some websites may create sensational or misleading headlines to attract clicks, or some social media accounts may spread false or biased information to sway public opinion1.

• Fake followers: Some companies that sell or buy fake followers may benefit from enhanced popularity, credibility, or influence on social media platforms. For example, some celebrities, influencers, or politicians may use fake followers to boost their online presence, or some businesses may use fake followers to promote their products or services2.

• Fake reviews: Some companies that write or pay for fake reviews may benefit from improved ratings, rankings, or reputation on online platforms. For example, some sellers may use fake reviews to increase their sales, or some competitors may use fake reviews to damage their rivals3.

• Fake products: Some companies that make or sell fake products may benefit from lower production costs, higher profit margins, or increased market share. For example, some counterfeiters may use cheap or inferior materials to imitate genuine products, or some vendors may use deceptive labels or descriptions to trick buyers.

• Fake coupons: Some companies that create or distribute fake coupons may benefit from scamming consumers or collecting personal information. For example, some fraudsters may use fake coupons to lure people into paying fees, downloading malware, or revealing their personal details.

• Fake charities: Some companies that solicit donations for fake charities may benefit from exploiting people’s generosity or compassion. For example, some scammers may use fake names, logos, or stories to convince people to donate money or goods to non-existent or fraudulent causes.

• Fake contests: Some companies that announce fake contests may benefit from collecting fees, personal information, or bank details from participants. For example, some con artists may use fake prizes, rules, or deadlines to entice people to enter competitions or sweepstakes that are never awarded.

• Fake invoices: Some companies that send fake invoices may benefit from tricking businesses or individuals into paying for goods or services that they did not order or receive. For example, some crooks may use forged documents, logos, or signatures to demand payment for non-existent or unauthorized transactions.

• Fake job listings: Some companies that post fake job listings may benefit from collecting fees, personal information, or bank details from applicants. For example, some swindlers may use bogus offers, requirements, or contracts to lure people into paying for training, equipment, or background checks that are never provided.

These are just some of the examples of companies that benefit from fake stuff online. There may be more types that I did not cover. Do you have any questions about these types of companies? 😊

Claude’s answer:There are a few main types of companies that can benefit from or enable different kinds of fake online activity:

• Social media platforms - More engagement through fake followers/likes looks good for their metrics.

• Ad networks - Fake clicks and traffic can artificially boost ad revenue.

• Review sites - Fake positive reviews help sell advertising and services.

• Hosting/botnet services - Enable fake account and bot activity for customers.

• Domain registrars - Fake sites need domain names to appear legitimate.

• Payment processors - Handle payments for fake goods/services sold online.

• Data brokers - Harvest and sell personal info for fake accounts.

• Search engines - Benefit from advertising related to fake content in results.

• Delivery/logistics - Required to ship counterfeit or fake products.

• Software/SaaS - Provide tools to automate fake reviews, social media engagement, etc.

• Cybersecurity firms - Profit from increased demand in response to online fakery.

So in general, platforms, analytics providers, data aggregators, digital marketers, payment processors, and tech/hosting companies can all profit either directly or indirectly from different types of fake online activity. However, some try to mitigate this, so not all participate willingly.

Question 3 of 3 for AI services: What remedies should be applied and why? What are downsides of all this fakery online?

ChatGPT-4’s answer:The proliferation of fake activities online has several negative impacts, including:

1. Erosion of Trust: When consumers encounter fake reviews, news, or social media profiles, it erodes their trust in online platforms and businesses. This can lead to decreased online engagement and harm the digital economy.

2. Financial Loss: Consumers can lose money through scams and fraudulent transactions. Businesses can also suffer financial losses due to ad fraud or the costs of combating fake activities.

3. Privacy Violations: Fake activities often involve the misuse of personal data, leading to privacy violations and potential identity theft.

4. Misinformation: Fake news and deepfakes can spread misinformation, leading to confusion, societal division, and even real-world harm.

5. Unfair Competition: Businesses that engage in fake activities can gain an unfair advantage over competitors who play by the rules, distorting the market.

To combat these issues, several remedies can be applied:

1. Strengthening Legislation and Enforcement: Governments can enact stricter laws against online fraud and ensure they are enforced. Penalties can serve as a deterrent.

2. Improved Platform Policies: Online platforms can develop stricter policies against fake activities and invest in better enforcement. This could include better detection algorithms, stricter account verification processes, and more transparent review systems.

3. Consumer Education: Consumers should be educated about the risks of fake activities online and how to spot them. This could be done through public awareness campaigns or built-in platform features.

4. Promoting Transparency: Companies should be encouraged to be more transparent about their data practices and the steps they take to combat fake activities.

5. Investing in Technology: Investment in AI and other technologies can help detect and remove fake content more effectively. However, care must be taken to ensure these technologies are used ethically and responsibly.

6. Collaboration: Companies, governments, and non-profit organizations can work together to share information and best practices, creating a united front against online fakery.

While these remedies can help, it's important to note that completely eliminating fake activities online is a complex challenge that will require ongoing effort from all stakeholders.

Google Bard’s answer:There are a number of remedies that can be applied to combat fakery online. These include:

• Education: People need to be educated about the dangers of fakery online and how to spot it. This can be done through school programs, public awareness campaigns, and online resources.

• Technology: Technology can be used to detect and remove fake content. This can be done through algorithms that identify patterns of fakery, or through crowdsourcing solutions that allow users to flag fake content.

• Regulation: Governments can regulate the spread of fake content online. This can be done through laws that make it illegal to create or distribute fake content, or through regulations that require social media platforms to remove fake content.

The downsides of all this fakery online are numerous. They include:

• Misinformation: Fake content can spread misinformation, which can lead to people making bad decisions. For example, fake news stories about the 2016 US presidential election may have influenced some voters to vote for a particular candidate.

• Fraud: Fake content can be used to commit fraud, such as by tricking people into giving up their personal information or by convincing them to buy products or services that are not real.

• Damage to reputations: Fake content can damage people's reputations. For example, a fake review of a product or service can make people think that the product or service is not good, even if it is actually good.

• Disruption of businesses: Fake content can disrupt businesses. For example, a fake news story about a company can cause the company's stock price to drop, or a fake review of a product or service can make people stop buying that product or service.

It is important to address the issue of fakery online in order to protect people from harm and to ensure that the internet remains a safe and reliable place to communicate and do business.

Here are some additional remedies that could be applied:

• Social media platforms could do more to verify the authenticity of the content that is posted on their sites. This could involve requiring users to provide more personal information, or using technology to identify patterns of fakery.

• Governments could work with social media platforms to develop policies that would help to combat fakery.These policies could include requiring social media platforms to remove fake content, or to provide users with tools to help them identify fake content.

• Individuals could be more careful about the information that they share online. They should be skeptical of content that seems too good to be true, and they should be careful about sharing personal information.

By taking these steps, we can help to make the internet a safer and more reliable place for everyone.

Bing Chat’s answer:Thank you for your follow-up question. I think it is important to be aware of the fake stuff online and how it can affect us and others. Some of the possible remedies for fake stuff online are:

• Educating ourselves and others about how to spot and avoid fake stuff online. For example, we can check the source, date, author, evidence, and logic of the information we encounter online, and compare it with other reliable sources1. We can also use tools like fact-checking websites, reverse image search, or browser extensions to verify the authenticity of the information23.

• Reporting and flagging fake stuff online when we see it. For example, we can use the reporting features on social media platforms, news websites, or online marketplaces to alert the moderators or authorities about fake news, fake reviews, fake products, or fake accounts24. We can also contact the original creators or owners of the content if we suspect that their work has been copied or misused.

• Being responsible and ethical in our online behavior. For example, we can avoid sharing or spreading fake stuff online, even if we think it is funny or harmless. We can also respect the intellectual property rights of others and give proper credit when we use their work. We can also be respectful and civil in our online interactions and avoid trolling, bullying, or harassing others.

• Supporting and promoting quality journalism and information. For example, we can subscribe to or donate to reputable news outlets, organizations, or individuals that produce accurate, credible, and diverse content. We can also share and recommend their work to our friends and family. We can also participate in constructive online discussions and debates that foster critical thinking and dialogue.

Some of the downsides of fake stuff online are:

• It can misinform, mislead, or manipulate us and others. For example, fake news can influence our opinions, beliefs, or decisions on important issues or events. Fake reviews can affect our choices or satisfaction with products or services. Fake products can harm our health or safety. Fake charities can scam us out of our money or personal information.

• It can damage the reputation or credibility of individuals, businesses, or organizations. For example, fake news can tarnish the image or trustworthiness of public figures, institutions, or causes. Fake reviews can hurt the sales or ratings of sellers or competitors. Fake products can infringe on the intellectual property rights or brand value of genuine creators or owners.

• It can undermine the quality and diversity of information and discourse online. For example, fake news can erode the standards and ethics of journalism and media. Fake reviews can distort the feedback and ranking systems of online platforms. Fake products can flood the market with low-quality or counterfeit goods. Fake accounts can skew the metrics and algorithms of social media networks.

• It can create or exacerbate social conflicts or divisions. For example, fake news can polarize or radicalize public opinion or sentiment. Fake reviews can create unfair or biased competition or comparison. Fake products can cause consumer dissatisfaction or distrust. Fake charities can exploit people’s emotions or values.

I hope this answer helps you understand more about the fake stuff online and how to deal with it. Do you have any other questions about this topic? 😊

Claude’s answer:There are a few potential remedies and approaches to address the proliferation of fakery and fraud online:

• Increased regulation and enforcement - Laws and policies to prohibit and punish fake/deceptive activity, enforced by fines and other penalties. Downside is cost of oversight.

• Improved detection technologies - Invest in better AI and forensic tools to identify fake accounts, sites, reviews etc automatically. Downside is it's a constant arms race as fakers adapt.

• Greater platform accountability - Require sites and social networks to identify and remove fake activity. Downside is cost to these businesses.

• Consumer education - Teach internet users how to spot and avoid scams and fake info. Downside is not everyone will heed it.

• Transparency requirements - Mandate disclosure of paid promotions, AI content, anonymous authors etc. Downside is compliance burden.

• Financial pressure - Cut off payment processing and ad revenue sources benefitting fake activity. Downside is lost revenues.

• Norms change - Shift culture away from prioritizing vanity metrics, anonymity, speed over truth. Downside is difficult and slow.

The downsides of all the fakery include eroded trust, less informed decisions, more fraud victims, distorted metrics, and an information ecosystem optimized for virality over accuracy. A layered, patient approach is likely needed to address such a complex problem. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!