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Holiday Scams: AI Fuels Fake Stores & Deals
12 Dec
Summary
- AI creates fake stores and replicates brands, making sites hard to distinguish.
- Scammers use AI to mimic influencers' faces and voices for fraudulent promotions.
- One in five Americans report being scammed during past holiday seasons.
The holiday season presents a prime opportunity for scammers, with one in five Americans experiencing financial losses averaging $840 in past years. This year, the threat is amplified by artificial intelligence, which scammers use to generate convincing fake retail websites and replicate well-known brands, blurring the lines between legitimate and fraudulent online stores. AI also enables the creation of deepfakes, allowing scammers to impersonate influencers with realistic faces and voices to promote deceptive sites on social media.
To combat these evolving threats, consumers are advised to approach online deals with skepticism, especially those that seem too good to be true. Security experts recommend dedicating focused time for online shopping, free from distractions, and turning off notifications. Utilizing security software and browser extensions can help identify malicious links. When possible, opting for in-person shopping is a more secure alternative, as over 70% of shoppers trust in-store purchases more than online ones.
When shopping online, it is crucial to avoid clicking on suspicious ads or social media posts. Instead, directly type vendor URLs into your browser. For transactions, using a credit card offers better fraud protection than a debit card or cryptocurrency. Additionally, be wary of text message scams related to deliveries or recalls; always verify shipment information by visiting the company's official website directly. For charitable donations, thoroughly research organizations and use traceable payment methods to ensure your contribution reaches its intended cause.
