Shopping on the internet offers a lot of convenient opportunities. However, AI-generated websites have brought about new risks for consumers. Designed with sophisticated AI tools, they can be difficult to identify. Many look authentic by mimicking well-known brands and some even feature fake consumer reviews to make the website appear trustworthy. Especially during the holiday season, you need to be careful of fake online stores and even marketplace listings. Once you click on the links and submit your personal information, scammers can access and steal your information, using it to make unauthorized purchases. Here are a few ways you can look out for fake AI-generated websites.
· Check the URL Carefully. Fraudulent websites often use URLs that closely resemble legitimate ones but includes light alterations, such as additional characters or misspellings. For example, instead of "www.amazon.com," it might read"www.amaz0n.com."
· Be Suspicious of Unrealistic Deals: If a website offers products or services at prices that seem too good to be true, proceed with caution. Scammers use deep discounts to lure consumers, knowing they’re often more likely to make impulse purchases on “limited-time” deals. Think before you click!
· Look for Genuine Customer Reviews Off-site: Be cautious with reviews directly displayed on a website, as these can be easily faked by AI. Instead, search for the company on independent review platforms or social media to check for authentic reviews or any customer complaints.
· Use an Anti-Phishing Tool: Many antivirus programs include anti-phishing features that detect fake websites. These tools are regularly updated to identify new threats, including AI-generated scam sites.
· Use Credit Cards or Trusted Payment Services: Credit card companies and services like PayPal often offer better protection against fraud. If you catch a fraudulent charge on your credit card statement you can usually dispute the charge. Debit cards, on the other hand, directly access your bank account and it may take a while to get your money back.
Practice caution when browsing unfamiliar sites, and if something seems off, it’s always better to trust your instinct and not purchase from a suspicious vendor. For businesses, ICC can help put tools in place that will build consumer trust and secure transaction procedures so consumers feel safe about clicking on your website. Contact us to learn more.
December 15, 2024
