Be careful where you buy from, shoppers are being warned as criminals use AI to supercharge scams.
Some fraudsters have made websites for fake retailers that claim to be family-owned firms selling quality UK-made products. Images may show a UK High Street with Union Jack flags in shot.
If you order you're likely to find a product either never arrives, or is a cheap, mass-produced item from a country such as China, trading standards officers say.
AI-generated images like this, as well as voice cloning and deepfake videos are increasingly being used to trick people out of their money, according to National Trading Standards.
For the first time, it has drawn up an AI scam watchlist highlighting some of the tools and techniques criminals are using.
Tricks include:
Some of the old scam-avoidance techniques may now be less successful due to the benefits of AI.
Typos or grammatical errors can no longer be relied on to spot scams, says consumer group Which?.
Some of the ways to protect yourself, according to trading standards, include:
In general, they say stop and think before paying, sharing personal information or taking action. You should be especially wary of pressure or urgency because criminals want you to act before you have time to think.
Fraud and scams can be reported to Report Fraud or by calling on 0300 1232040, or you can call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 for advice.
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