Don't fall for this – how to protect yourself from AI scams

Don't fall for this – how to protect yourself from AI scams

Shoppers are being urged to exercise caution when making purchases online, as criminals are increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance their scam operations. Fraudsters have set up counterfeit websites posing as family-run businesses that claim to sell high-quality products made in the UK. These sites often feature images of British High Streets adorned with Union Jack flags to create a false sense of authenticity.

However, those who place orders on these fraudulent sites frequently experience disappointment. Trading standards officers warn that customers either never receive their products or receive cheap, mass-produced goods manufactured abroad, commonly in countries like China. This deceptive practice is a growing concern for consumer protection authorities.

National Trading Standards has highlighted the escalating use of advanced AI technologies in scams, including AI-generated images, voice cloning, and deepfake videos. These sophisticated methods are designed to manipulate and deceive potential victims, making it harder for people to distinguish legitimate sellers from fraudsters.

In response to this trend, National Trading Standards has compiled an AI scam watchlist for the first time. This resource outlines the various tools and tactics criminals are using to perpetrate these scams, aiming to raise awareness and help consumers avoid falling prey to such fraudulent schemes

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More