Summary
Scams targeting holiday shoppers are becoming more convincing due to the use of advanced AI tools. This year, there is a rise in scams like fake online stores, phishing emails, and deepfake ads aimed at stealing personal information and money. Companies are warning shoppers to be cautious, especially when buying from unfamiliar websites or responding to messages that look official.
Key Facts
- AI tools are making scam emails and fake websites look more real, increasing the risk to shoppers.
- Many scams involve fake online storefronts that mimic real websites to steal credit card information.
- Phishing emails often pretend to offer big holiday discounts to lure people into giving away personal data.
- Scammers are sending fake delivery texts asking for information or payments for bogus reasons.
- Deepfake technology is used to create realistic video ads, sometimes misusing celebrity likenesses, to promote fake deals.
- Gift card scams are common, as fraudsters steal card details to drain balances before the buyer uses them.
- A large number of shoppers have fallen victim to scams in past holiday seasons, with many receiving no products or counterfeit goods.
- Social media ads are increasingly used to distribute scams, with many people making purchases based on these ads.
