Microsoft used AI to combat global tech support scams - TechRepublic

In its fight to take down tech support scams worldwide, Microsoft relied on artificial intelligence (AI) to help it track down the scammers. In a Thursday blog post, the company detailed how its Digital Crimes Unit used the technology to figure out the methods employed by the scammers, and how they avoided getting caught in the past. The scams in question typically occur when a pop-up window shows up, informing a user that they need to call for tech support to remove a virus or other form of malicious software. If the user calls the number listed, they are typically directed to someone trying to sell them services they don't actually need, the post said. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced an official crackdown on these scams with Operation Tech Trap in May 2017.