Apate.ai deploys AI decoys to trap scammers and collect fraud clues

Apate.ai, the Australian startup founded in 2024 from Macquarie University research, runs thousands of AI agents that pretend to be scam victims. They answer calls, reply to messages, follow phishing links — deceptive messages that steal logins — and pull out bank accounts, crypto wallets and server details for banks, carriers and agencies. It reports 2.5 million conversations.