Home / Business and Economy / Scammers Exploit AI for Online Fraud
Scammers Exploit AI for Online Fraud
7 Jun
Summary
- AI tools now recommend fake online stores to shoppers.
- Scam websites mimic legitimate retailers like Russell & Bromley.
- Consumers warned not to trust AI recommendations blindly.
Online shoppers are falling victim to scams after AI tools, including ChatGPT, recommended fraudulent websites. These AI assistants have been found to list fake retail sites, impersonating well-known brands such as Russell & Bromley and Dunelm. Scammers create cloned websites that appear genuine, often featuring significant discounts of up to 80%.
These fraudulent sites trick consumers into making purchases that will never arrive, while also harvesting sensitive bank details. Experts suggest that the AI's learning data may have been 'poisoned' with malicious content. This tactic is particularly effective as Russell & Bromley no longer has an official website following its administration and absorption by Next in January 2026.
Authorities are urging consumers to exercise caution and not assume the authenticity of a website solely based on an AI recommendation. Fraudsters are quick to adapt to new technologies, exploiting AI to reach potential victims. Consumers are advised to verify website addresses, look out for unusual payment methods like bank transfers, and directly navigate to known retailer sites rather than relying on AI-generated links.
