As the Black Friday season continues, scammers leverage the AI to craft more convincing frauds. Here’s what to watch for:

Common Scams:

  1. Emails: Fake sale alerts claiming to be from retailers like Amazon or Costco.
  2. Social Media Ads: Fraudulent ads tailored using personal details like shopping history.
  3. Delivery Texts: Fake messages from delivery services asking for personal or payment information.
  4. Search Engine Links: Links to fake websites pretending to sell popular items.

AI-Driven Scams:

  • Sophisticated Emails and Websites: Generative AI creates convincing designs, emails, and images mimicking real brands.
  • Deepfakes: AI-generated fake celebrity endorsements make scams more realistic.
  • Scalable Attacks: AI enables large-scale phishing and website replication.

Key Statistics:

  • 1 in 3 Americans fall for holiday scams (McAfee, 2024).
  • $95.2 million reported in losses during the 2023 holiday season (FTC).
  • A phishing campaign in October targeted U.S. and European shoppers, stealing personal and banking details.

Spotting Scams:

  • Check URLs: Look for errors or inconsistencies in website addresses.
  • Avoid Pressure Tactics: Scammers often use countdowns to create urgency.
  • Validate Deals: If a discount seems too good to be true, confirm directly on the retailer’s website.
  • Question Random Endorsements: Verify celebrity endorsements with trusted sources.

Stay Safe:

  • Use Credit Cards: They offer fraud protections and easier reimbursement for unauthorized transactions.
  • Avoid Clicking Directly on Ads: Instead, visit the retailer’s official site.
  • Be Cautious with Personal Information: Only share details on verified platforms.

By staying vigilant and verifying deals, you can avoid falling victim to holiday scams.