Don't fall for this - how to protect yourself from AI scams
Quick Look
National Trading Standards warns shoppers that criminals are using AI to create fake retailer websites selling counterfeit UK-made goods, with AI-generated images, voice cloning and deepfakes increasingly used to deceive consumers into buying non-existent or low-quality products.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create sophisticated scams targeting online shoppers, including fake websites and AI-generated media to impersonate legitimate businesses.
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.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
AI-powered retail scams will increase in sophistication and frequency over the next 6-12 months
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How many fake retailer websites have been identified?
- What specific AI tools are fraudsters using to create these scams?
- Are there any ongoing investigations or arrests related to these scams?
