Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Metro Bank Claude AI Chatbot Scam - Businessman's Money Stolen
Metro Bank Claude AI Chatbot Scam - Businessmans Money Stolen

A UK businessman lost over £14,000 when fraudsters used his saved debit card details to buy credits for the Claude AI chatbot via an Anthropic account. Although Metro Bank flagged the first fraudulent transaction and the customer confirmed it was unauthorized, the bank delayed freezing the card, allowing thousands more in charges to pass.

What Happened in the Fraud Case

  • The Loss: Criminals drained more than £14,000 from the victim's account to purchase AI chatbot credits.
  • Bank Error: Metro Bank sent a fraud alert on the initial charge, which the customer rejected, but failed to immediately block subsequent charges.
  • Resolution: Anthropic banned the fraudulent user account, stated the card details did not leak from their systems, and directly refunded the victim. Metro Bank offered compensation for service delays, though the case drew scrutiny over bank fraud response times.

Protecting Your Accounts from AI Platform Fraud

  • Remove Saved Cards: Do not store debit or credit card details on AI platforms or subscriptions if you are not actively using them.
  • Monitor Statements: Watch for unexpected recurring charges or small test transactions from AI providers.
  • Act Fast: If you spot an unauthorized charge, contact your bank immediately to freeze your card and dispute the transaction via a chargeback.
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