AI is making online shopping scams harder to detect: Here are 5 ways to stay safe

Nearly 90% of Americans are worried about the role artificial intelligence (AI) is playing in helping online shopping scammers to dupe consumers, according to a recent survey.

How does AI help online scammers?

In December, a poll carried out by the cybersecurity firm Upwind found that 44% of all respondents described themselves as “very concerned” about the ability of AI technology to create “more convincing and personalized scams”.

A further 43% described themselves as “somewhat concerned”, says Upwind.

And the firm agrees that there is cause for concern, outlining how effectively - and cheaply - AI can be used in the creation of online shopping cons.

“AI can be used to create realistic product images, payment portals, email links, deepfake videos, and even mimic familiar voices to lure Americans into clicking malicious links and divulging personal data,” Upwind explains.

“All of this can be carried out for the low price of a subscription fee by a scammer with no knowledge of coding, design, or writing.”

“You can just buy a kit off the web”

Speaking to CBS News this week, Microsoft Security’s Vasu Jakkal agreed that AI is making it easier for con artists to build believable fraudulent websites.

“You can just buy a kit off the web,” Jakkal said. “It’s an assembly line. Someone builds the malware. Someone builds the infrastructure. Someone hosts the website.”

How to avoid online shopping scams

Don’t be fooled by appearances

“Scammers are great at mimicking official seals, fonts, and other details,” says Better Business Bureau, a major U.S. consumer advice organization. A fraudulent website may initially look like it’s the real deal, but closer inspection may turn up tell-tale signs that it’s fake.

Microsoft notes, for example, that a legitimate website will normally display key details such as the business’s physical address, phone number and email address quite prominently, while a fraudulent site will not.

“Fake shopping websites make it difficult to find critical information,” the tech giant says.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is

Should an online store be selling products for amounts that represent a spectacular discount on the prices you find elsewhere, that’s a major warning sign.

Microsoft warns, for instance: “If a pair of just-released sneakers are listed for 90% off, that should be flagged as something suspicious.”

Be wary of being rushed into a purchase

“Shady actors typically try to make you think something is scarce or a limited-time offer,” BBB says. “They want to push victims to make a decision right now before even thinking through it, asking family members, friends, or financial advisors.”

Make sure the purchase is secure

BBB and Microsoft both urge online shoppers to make sure they are on a secure website.

You can do this by checking that the URL begins with “HTTPS” - the “S” stands for “secure”. You can also find out whether the site is secure by clicking on the ‘lock’ icon on the left of the address bar.

Use a reputable, traceable payment method

“Do not pay by wire transfer, prepaid money card, gift card, or another non-traditional payment method,” BBB cautions.

Ensure you can pay by reputable methods such as major credit cards - like Visa and Mastercard - or PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. “If anything goes awry with your purchase, these services offer buyer protection and reimbursement from online shopping scam,” Microsoft says.

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