In a remarkable incident highlighting the unexpected utility of artificial intelligence, a 77-year-old resident of Bengaluru narrowly escaped losing a substantial sum of money to cybercriminals, with an assist from OpenAI's ChatGPT. The elderly man, who lives in the Binnypet area, turned to the AI chatbot for advice after receiving a suspicious financial offer, a move that ultimately protected his savings.
The Suspicious Offer and the AI Consultation
The potential victim was first approached on November 25, 2025, by individuals claiming to represent IIFL Wealth Management. They presented him with an enticing proposal: they promised to secure for him "pre-Initial Public Offering (IPO) allotments in sizable quantities." Such offers can be highly attractive to investors seeking early access to shares before they are listed on the stock market, often at a perceived discount.
However, something about the offer raised the senior citizen's suspicions. Instead of proceeding or dismissing it outright, he decided to consult ChatGPT. He described the offer to the conversational AI and asked for its analysis. The chatbot's response was clear and cautionary, flagging the proposal as potentially fraudulent. It likely outlined common red flags associated with such scams, such as unsolicited offers, guarantees of high returns, and pressure to invest quickly.
How ChatGPT Became an Unlikely Guardian
This case underscores a growing trend where AI tools are being used as a first line of defense against sophisticated cybercrime. The man, heeding the AI's warning, did not transfer any money to the criminals. He subsequently reported the entire episode to the police, providing them with crucial details about the attempted scam. The intervention of ChatGPT provided an immediate, accessible layer of verification that prevented financial loss.
The incident, which came to light in early January 2026, shows that while cybercriminals are increasingly targeting vulnerable demographics like senior citizens with complex financial traps, new technological tools can also empower potential victims. The AI acted as a neutral, knowledge-based advisor, helping the man navigate a situation where he might have been unsure or lacked immediate access to trustworthy human counsel.
Implications for Cybersecurity and Public Awareness
This event in Bengaluru serves as both a cautionary tale and an innovative example of scam prevention. Authorities continue to warn the public, especially the elderly, about investment frauds that promise unrealistic returns. Common types include pre-IPO scams, fake lottery wins, and impersonation of reputable financial institutions.
The key takeaways from this incident are vital for public safety:
- Always verify unsolicited financial offers with official channels and registered authorities.
- Be extremely skeptical of guarantees for high profits with little or no risk.
- Consult with family members, trusted financial advisors, or even use verified digital tools for a second opinion on suspicious proposals.
- Report all attempted frauds to the police immediately to help investigations and prevent others from becoming victims.
The proactive step taken by the 77-year-old man—to double-check with an AI—proved to be a masterstroke. It highlights a pragmatic adaptation to the digital age, where technology, often the medium for crime, can also be harnessed as a powerful shield. As AI literacy grows, such tools may become commonplace in the personal cybersecurity toolkit of citizens across India and the world.
