As Black Friday approaches, experts warn that the rise of AI has led to more sophisticated scams targeting shoppers, particularly through fraudulent emails and social media ads. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant, verify deals, and be cautious of messages requesting personal information to avoid falling victim to these scams.
As Black Friday approaches, experts and government officials are raising alarms about the increased risk of scams targeting shoppers during the holiday season. With advancements in artificial intelligence, criminals are now able to create more sophisticated scams that can deceive consumers more easily. One of the most prevalent types of scams reported is fraudulent emails that appear to come from reputable retailers like Amazon or Costco, promoting enticing Black Friday deals.
Social media platforms have also become a significant source of scams, with data indicating that about one in four individuals who reported financial losses due to fraud since 2021 traced the origin of the scam to social media advertisements. The Federal Trade Commission highlights that the targeting capabilities available to advertisers can be exploited by scammers to tailor fraudulent ads based on users’ personal information, such as their purchase history and interests.
Another common scam involves fake delivery notices sent via text messages, which claim to be from legitimate delivery services like the United States Postal Service. These messages often request personal information, including zip codes or payment details, putting consumers at risk. Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security at the National Cyber Security Alliance, emphasizes the importance of vigilance during the holiday shopping season.
Search engine results can also lead to scams, as criminals create links that mimic popular products but direct users to fraudulent websites. The rise in cybercrime during the holiday season is alarming, with studies indicating that one in three Americans have fallen victim to scams during this time. According to McAfee’s 2024 Global Holiday Shopping Scam Study, 58% of scam victims reported financial losses, amounting to over $95 million reported to the Federal Trade Commission between October and December of the previous year.
The sophistication of scams has increased due to innovations in generative artificial intelligence, allowing criminals to execute larger-scale attacks more efficiently. Consumers are advised to be cautious, especially when deals seem too good to be true. It is recommended to verify the legitimacy of sales by checking the website URL or visiting the retailer’s official site directly. For further insights, viewers are encouraged to read Lindsay Chaw’s article linked in the video description.