Scam attempts using fake messages have surged by 140% in Latin America in 2024, with around 397 million phishing blocks recorded between July 2023 and July 2024. This alarming trend, analyzed by Kaspersky specialists, highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals who are now employing AI-manipulated audio and video (deepvoice and deepfake) to create more convincing traps, alongside the use of website addresses ending in '.ai' to deceive victims.
In total, over 697 million phishing blocks were noted across the region, marking a 2.4-fold increase from the previous year, which translates to a staggering 1,326 attack attempts per minute. Brazil tops the list of countries most targeted, followed by Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Notably, Bolivia (400%), Peru (360%), Argentina (300%), Guatemala (280%), and Brazil (267%) showed the highest growth rates in phishing activity.
The exponential rise in phishing messages is largely driven by artificial intelligence, with criminals now utilizing manipulated images and voices of celebrities to spread scams primarily through social networks. These deepfake videos are designed to convince victims of the legitimacy of fake games, enticing them to register personal information and make minimum deposits to receive financial returns.
Kaspersky also identified over 4,000 fraudulent websites using the '.ai' domain, capitalizing on the trend of legitimate companies registering sites in Anguilla to enhance their AI branding.
Fabio Assolini, Head of Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America, remarked, 'It is surprising that after a six-fold growth in phishing activity in 2023, criminals have still managed to maintain an exponential increase this year. Unfortunately, we cannot say that scams using fake messages will decrease, as cybercriminals are creative and the cost of operating these scams is very low. Now, their production can be easily scaled with AI tools. Therefore, the main message is that people should be wary of tempting promises and protect their devices, both mobile and computers, to safely browse the Internet.'
To avoid falling victim to phishing scams, Kaspersky recommends vigilance and caution in online interactions.