TECH & GAMING
Advocates Philippines
When Screenshots Lie: Caution Urged As AI-Generated Bank Transactions Circulate Online
Photo credit: Pen De Leon
In the age of artificial intelligence, even a simple bank transaction screenshot can no longer be trusted at face value.
A recent social media post by Pen De Leon has gone viral, warning the public to be vigilant when receiving proof of bank transactions—especially when these are only sent as screenshots. His post narrates a troubling experience involving what appeared to be legitimate payment confirmations, later revealed to be fabricated using AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT.
"Mag-ingat kayo, always check if pumasok ba sa account niyo yung transaction," he wrote, recounting how a batchmate had repeatedly sent him screenshots of supposed payments. But upon auditing his account after a trip abroad, he discovered that not a single centavo had been deposited.
“One failed transaction is still acceptable. But five?” De Leon pointed out. He admits to overlooking the issue initially, failing to verify the transactions in real-time. What’s more alarming, he added, is that several of his classmates who lent money to the same person had similar experiences—transaction screenshots were sent, but the money never arrived.
The twist? De Leon suspects the screenshots may have been generated using AI tools like ChatGPT to mimic real banking interfaces and transaction details.
While ChatGPT cannot access or interact with real bank systems, it can be used to convincingly draft text and generate plausible-looking confirmations if prompted. Combined with basic image editing or formatting, fraudsters can now simulate near-authentic screenshots that could easily deceive unsuspecting victims.
This incident underscores the growing misuse of AI for fraudulent purposes. As technology becomes more accessible, so do the risks associated with its abuse.
Experts remind the public of a simple rule: screenshots are not receipts. Always verify transactions directly with your bank or through official apps. Real-time confirmation, not just visual evidence, is the only sure way to validate a transfer.
As AI continues to evolve, so must our vigilance. Trust, now more than ever, should come with verification.
A recent social media post by Pen De Leon has gone viral, warning the public to be vigilant when receiving proof of bank transactions—especially when these are only sent as screenshots. His post narrates a troubling experience involving what appeared to be legitimate payment confirmations, later revealed to be fabricated using AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT.
"Mag-ingat kayo, always check if pumasok ba sa account niyo yung transaction," he wrote, recounting how a batchmate had repeatedly sent him screenshots of supposed payments. But upon auditing his account after a trip abroad, he discovered that not a single centavo had been deposited.
“One failed transaction is still acceptable. But five?” De Leon pointed out. He admits to overlooking the issue initially, failing to verify the transactions in real-time. What’s more alarming, he added, is that several of his classmates who lent money to the same person had similar experiences—transaction screenshots were sent, but the money never arrived.
The twist? De Leon suspects the screenshots may have been generated using AI tools like ChatGPT to mimic real banking interfaces and transaction details.
While ChatGPT cannot access or interact with real bank systems, it can be used to convincingly draft text and generate plausible-looking confirmations if prompted. Combined with basic image editing or formatting, fraudsters can now simulate near-authentic screenshots that could easily deceive unsuspecting victims.
This incident underscores the growing misuse of AI for fraudulent purposes. As technology becomes more accessible, so do the risks associated with its abuse.
Experts remind the public of a simple rule: screenshots are not receipts. Always verify transactions directly with your bank or through official apps. Real-time confirmation, not just visual evidence, is the only sure way to validate a transfer.
As AI continues to evolve, so must our vigilance. Trust, now more than ever, should come with verification.
Jun 18, 2025
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