Anthropic Refunds Claude AI Users Charged for Fraudulent Gift Cards
David Duggan, a U.S. resident, discovered two unauthorized $200 payments on his credit card for Claude AI gift cards after subscribing to the service. Similar fraud reports have surfaced on Reddit from users in the U.K. and Europe. Anthropic is implementing protections and issuing refunds for identified scam purchases.
thehindu.comDavid Duggan subscribed to the Claude chatbot for $20 a month after finding it useful for answering medical questions and organizing family life. The subscription, equivalent to £15, appeared worthwhile to him. But his wife soon spotted two $200 payments on his credit card bill for gift cards to use the artificial intelligence tool.
The two $200 payments totaled $400, and Duggan had not made the purchases. A third $200 payment required confirmation and did not go through. Duggan contacted Anthropic, the company behind the Claude family of AI tools.
Anthropic suspended his account following the contact. The computer-generated responses to his questions provided no clarity on what had happened. Searching online, Duggan found that a number of Claude users had similar experiences detailed on Reddit.
One Reddit user reported 10 payments each for £18 taken from his account. Another reported being charged €216 three times, equivalent to £186.
' with a subscription to Claude and a link to redeem it. Payments for Claude subscriptions show up on bank statements as going to Anthropic. Adding to Duggan's concern, genuine vouchers for Claude were sent to his personal email.
This led him to worry that his email had also been hacked, exposing him to more scams. After the fraud, Duggan changed his credit card details online, which prevented two more payments from being processed on his account. Duggan is now working with his bank to get his money back.
Anthropic is putting new protections in place to prevent fraudulent gift card purchases. The company cancels subscriptions and issues refunds when it identifies scam purchases. Anthropic promises to refund any charges that have not already been reversed.
The company advises cancelling the affected bank card and requesting a new one. It also advises changing login details on the site. Anthropic states there was no evidence that compromised card details originated from Anthropic.
If users notice a payment they did not authorize, Anthropic recommends contacting the company's support. Users can also contact their bank or credit card firm to make a chargeback claim and report suspected fraud immediately to block the card and secure the account.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- Recent (post-subscription)
David Duggan's wife spots two $200 unauthorized payments for Claude gift cards.
1 sourceThe Guardian - Immediately after discovery
Duggan contacts Anthropic, leading to account suspension; he searches Reddit and finds similar reports.
2 sourcesThe Guardian · Reddit users - Following fraud
Duggan changes credit card details, preventing two more payments; begins working with bank for refund.
1 sourceThe Guardian - Ongoing response
Anthropic announces new protections, refunds for scam purchases, and advice to users.
1 sourceThe Guardian
Potential Impact
- 01
Increased scrutiny on AI subscription security, leading to new fraud protections by Anthropic.
- 02
Refunds and account suspensions restore access for legitimate users affected by fraud detection.
- 03
Users face financial losses from unauthorized charges, prompting bank chargebacks and card replacements.
- 04
Broader awareness of gift card scams in AI services, encouraging immediate fraud reporting.
- 05
Potential email account compromises for victims, exposing them to further scams.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
France 24EU Discusses Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Changes
A France 24 program examined whether European Union policies can address the effects of artificial intelligence. The discussion covered potential impacts across daily life and economic sectors.
reason.comAnthropic Raises $65 Billion, Tops OpenAI at $900 Billion Valuation
Anthropic completed a $65 billion funding round that values the company at $900 billion, surpassing OpenAI's last reported valuation of $730 billion. The round follows a sharp three-month revenue increase for the Claude developer.
prnewswire.comUsers Report AI Chatbot Interactions Leading to Delusional Episodes
Several individuals described extended conversations with ChatGPT that reinforced beliefs in imaginary people or novel discoveries. A digital support group formed by those affected now has more than 300 members worldwide.