Aerospace • 3 min read

How Hackers Use ChatGPT Clones on the Dark Web in 2025

Vaishnavi K V • June 24, 2025 •
Image Courtesy: Unsplash

The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has transformed how we interact with technology—but it has also caught the attention of cybercriminals. In 2025, one of the most concerning developments in cybersecurity is how hackers use ChatGPT clones on the dark web to fuel illegal activities at scale.

While the original ChatGPT by OpenAI includes ethical safeguards to block malicious use, underground developers have built uncensored AI chatbots that mimic ChatGPT—without any safety filters. These rogue versions are now being sold or distributed on dark web forums, becoming powerful tools for cybercriminals looking to streamline their attacks.

Also Read: AI Threats vs. AI Security: How Technology Enables Both

Malware and Phishing Script Generation

One of the primary uses of these ChatGPT clones is the automated creation of malicious code. Hackers feed prompts into the AI models to generate:

  • Ransomware payloads
  • Keyloggers and data exfiltration tools
  • Custom phishing email templates

These AI tools write convincing, grammatically correct phishing emails that bypass traditional spam filters and trick even tech-savvy users.

Social Engineering at Scale

Another alarming use case is automated social engineering. Hackers are using ChatGPT clones to:

  • Imitate customer service conversations
  • Create fake chatbot interactions
  • Craft responses that mimic a victim’s writing style

The ability to replicate tone and emotion in messages helps attackers gain the trust of their targets, leading to higher success rates in scams and fraud.

Multilingual Cybercrime Support

These AI clones also offer multilingual capabilities, helping non-English speaking hackers target global victims. From translating scam scripts to localizing ransomware messages, AI now enables criminals to expand their reach across borders with ease.

Selling AI-as-a-Crime-Service (AIaaCS)

The dark web has evolved into a marketplace where criminals can now buy or rent AI tools, similar to Ransomware-as-a-Service. These offerings come with:

  • Custom-trained models
  • APIs for integration into malware
  • Subscription plans with support channels

This trend has made AI-powered cyberattacks more accessible, even to those with little technical skill.

What Businesses and Users Can Do

With these threats growing, organizations need to:

  • Invest in advanced threat detection powered by AI
  • Train employees on phishing awareness and social engineering tactics
  • Monitor the dark web for mentions of brand and domain misuse

Final Thoughts

As AI evolves, so do its misuse cases. Understanding how hackers use ChatGPT clones on the dark web is crucial for staying ahead of emerging threats. In 2025, cybersecurity is no longer just about firewalls—it’s about outsmarting intelligent, adaptive threats powered by AI.

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