Episode 234

Expect More Bots Online Soon...Courtesy of Shark Tank.

Published on: 19th October, 2023

Fraudology is presented by Sardine.

Never did Karisse Hendrick, host of Fraudology, expect to talk about a popular reality show where entrepreneurs pitch their companies to an investor on TV, and the investor decides if the product is something they would like to invest in with their own money; in relation to online fraud.

But, thanks to a relatively new company that visited the "Shark Tank" on its most recent episode, Karisse thought this was a good time to provide a heads up to online companies in all verticals. On the episode that aired on the 13th of October, millions of viewers internationally watched the founders as they pitched their company, Bot-it to the investors. But more importantly, the founders of Bot-it claim to be the first B2C bot service with a simple to use user interface.

So, Karisse thought this was a good reason to as a chance to delve into the world of purchasing bots, reselling businesses, and the challenges faced by cybersecurity teams in detecting and preventing bot activity. While also taking opportunity to warn Fraudology Listeners of the possible shift in legitimate user behavior, as well as a change in the motivations for the use of Bots,

Karisse discusses:

  • The first use of scripted programs/attacks (known as "bots")
  • Why a company's cybersecurity team often manages the relationship with most traditional bot detection vendors
  • How purchasing-bots ("sneaker bots") and log-in bots have had a real impact on fraud,, and implications of bot purchases
  • The two main groups of users/core motivations of bot users (until now); and why more legitimate customers with no technically expertise may have gotten the impression that using bots online are legal & easy to use
  • Why the "Shark Tank Effect" on this company, Bot-it may impact online fraud departments (in ecommerce, fintech, and even banking)
  • Why the usage of bots can often result in orders placed by bots being canceled due to company policies
  • The importance of clear policies and communication to reduce additional volume of calls to customer service call.
  • Predictions & advice for those who may suddenly be experiencing purchases or log ins made by bots making purchases or logging in, without typical behaviors that would indicate fraud or re-selling activity.

With insider knowledge and expert advice, Karisse highlights the evolving landscape of fraud prevention and emphasizes the significance of building trust with end consumers.

Fraudology is hosted by Karisse Hendrick, a fraud fighter with decades of experience advising hundreds of the biggest ecommerce companies in the world on fraud, chargebacks, and other forms of abuse impacting a company's bottom line.

Connect with her on LinkedIn

She brings her experience, expertise, and extensive network of experts to this podcast semi weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mentioned in this episode:

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About the Podcast

Fraudology Podcast with Karisse Hendrick
Join Fraud Fighter Karisse Hendrick twice a week for deep dive interviews and weekly fraud news.
If you work in online fraud prevention, chances are you've caught the "bug". The bug that makes you passionate about identifying & preventing cybercriminals from getting away with stealing from your company, or your client's companies. Most people who have made cyber-fraud their career have the perfect balance of analytical and social skills, a strong sense of justice and the curiosity that will drive you to go down every path of information until you "crack the case".

Just like sociology is the study of social behavior, and psychology is the study of human behavior, Fraudology is the science and study of fraud.

On the Fraudology podcast, long-time online fraud expert, Karisse Hendrick will dive into all areas of Fraudology from the perspective of a fraud-fighter. With guests ranging from former cybercriminals to fraud-fighters at Fortune 500 companies to law enforcement and others, you will no doubt be entertained, while learning a lot about fraud & other forms of abuse prevention!

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Karisse Hendrick