Fake AI apps on GitHub are secretly spreading malware
Scammers are creating fake desktop apps that pretend to be popular AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, then using them to secretly install harmful software that can slow devices and misuse computing power. These fake downloads are being shared through lookalike project pages and may appear trustworthy at first glance.
Who is at risk
People who download AI desktop apps from unofficial websites, file-sharing links, or code-hosting pages instead of the companies’ real websites are most at risk.
What to watch for
Watch for AI apps that are not from the official OpenAI or Anthropic websites, especially if your device becomes unusually slow, hot, noisy, or battery drains quickly after installing one.
What to do
Only download AI tools from the official company website or trusted app store, and immediately remove any recently installed AI app that came from an unofficial source.