How Apate’s AI bots are wasting scammers’ time and gathering intelligence

How Apate’s AI bots disrupt scammers

According to WIRED, Apate, an Australian company named after the Greek goddess of deception, is using AI-powered bots to disrupt cybercriminals. The bots engage scammers in prolonged conversations, wasting their time and resources while collecting intelligence about their methods.

The system is designed to give scammers just enough hope to keep them engaged, often for hours. WIRED reported that Apate’s calls regularly last more than two hours, during which the bots gather real-time data on fraudulent activities.

Who is using Apate’s platform

Apate’s platform is being used by banks and supported by telecom companies, according to WIRED. The company has deployed around 350,000 bots globally to infiltrate scam chat groups and respond to fraudulent messages.

The bots are designed with varying personalities, language skills, and profiles to avoid detection by scammers. This diversity helps them blend into different types of scam operations, from text-based fraud to phone calls.

Intelligence gathered by Apate’s bots

WIRED reports that Apate’s bots have collected over 250,000 pieces of real-time information about fraudsters. This intelligence is used to understand scam patterns, identify cybercriminals, and disrupt their operations.

The bots are not just passive observers—they actively frustrate scammers by engaging them in conversations that lead nowhere. For example, WIRED tested the system and reported that even after six minutes of effort, the AI did not fall for a cryptocurrency scam pitch.

Why AI honeypots are gaining traction

Cybercriminals initiate billions of scam calls and messages each year, creating a need for innovative countermeasures. According to WIRED, AI-powered honeypots like Apate’s are proving more effective than traditional methods at keeping attackers occupied.

LLM-driven honeypots are reported to keep AI agents and cybercriminals engaged for significantly longer periods than older systems. This extended engagement allows for more intelligence gathering and greater disruption of fraudulent activities.

Apate’s origins and mission

Apate is an Australian cybersecurity company focused on disrupting cybercrime through AI-driven deception. Its name is derived from the Greek goddess of deception, reflecting its mission to outmaneuver scammers using their own tactics.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Apate’s approach represents a shift in how cybersecurity firms combat fraud. Instead of solely focusing on prevention or detection, the company is turning the tables on scammers by wasting their time and resources. This method not only disrupts individual attacks but also provides valuable intelligence that can be used to dismantle larger criminal networks.

For founders and operators in cybersecurity, Apate’s model highlights the potential of AI-driven deception as a complementary tool to traditional defenses. It also underscores the importance of collaboration with industries like banking and telecommunications, which are often the primary targets of scams. However, the ethical and operational challenges of deploying AI in this way—such as ensuring the bots do not inadvertently engage legitimate users—will need careful consideration.

Key takeaways

• AI-driven disruption is emerging as a novel way to combat cybercrime, with companies like Apate leading the charge by wasting scammers’ time and resources.
• Collaboration with banks and telecom companies is critical for scaling platforms like Apate’s, as these industries are frequent targets of fraud.
• AI bots must be designed with diverse profiles and language skills to avoid detection by cybercriminals, enabling more effective intelligence gathering.
• While AI honeypots show promise, their ethical implications—such as the risk of misidentifying legitimate users—require careful attention from operators.
• The sheer volume of scam calls and messages annually necessitates innovative solutions beyond traditional cybersecurity measures.

FAQ

What is Apate’s primary strategy for combating scammers?

Apate uses AI-powered bots to engage scammers in prolonged conversations, wasting their time and collecting intelligence about their methods. The goal is to disrupt their operations and gather data to prevent future scams.

Which industries are supporting Apate’s platform?

Apate’s platform is used by banks and supported by telecom companies, as these industries are frequent targets of cybercriminals and benefit from disrupting fraudulent activities.

How does Apate’s AI avoid detection by scammers?

Apate’s bots are designed with varying personalities, language skills, and profiles. This diversity helps them blend into different types of scam operations, making it harder for cybercriminals to identify them as fake targets.

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