Black Friday warning as Scots losing up to £2,000 a day to AI online scams

Black Friday warning as Scots losing up to £2,000 a day to AI online scams

Scots are falling victim to cybercriminals, losing up to £2,000 a day through online artificial intelligence (AI) scams in the lead-up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Fraudsters are targeting hundreds of shoppers using AI platforms such as ChatGPT, which utilise natural language processing features to create convincing, human-like interactions. These scammers are also using AI image generators to produce fake celebrity endorsements on deals, adding a level of authenticity to their schemes. By employing these tactics, criminals are coercing individuals into divulging money, banking details, or personal information.

Consumers are being urged to remain vigilant against fraudulent deals delivered through phishing emails, texts, and social media advertisements. They are also advised to be cautious of counterfeit websites posing as legitimate retailers, accepting payments for products that are never delivered. The online shopping landscape is currently inundated with festive promotions ahead of Black Friday, scheduled for November 29 this year.

Hazel Knowles, senior project lead for Advice Direct Scotland, highlighted the alarming trend of Scots losing approximately £1.1 million to online scams since last year. Knowles emphasised the underreported nature of the issue, with criminals exploiting social media channels to prey on unsuspecting individuals. The advancement of AI technology has made it increasingly challenging to identify scams, as emails and images appear more authentic than ever before.

Advice Direct Scotland disclosed that between April and November 2024, 934 Scots sought assistance after losing over £495,111 to online fraud, averaging £530 per person. These figures compound losses surpassing £617,367 among 1,550 individuals in 2023, resulting in a cumulative total of £1.1 million, equating to £1,972 per day. Notably, these statistics may underestimate the true scale of the problem due to unreported cases or instances reported directly to law enforcement.

To safeguard against falling victim to online scams, Advice Direct Scotland provided essential tips for online shoppers. Key recommendations include conducting research on retailers before making purchases, ensuring the legitimacy of the website, verifying secure payment methods, and reviewing return policies. Shoppers are encouraged to exercise caution and refrain from making hasty decisions amidst time-sensitive offers.

In summary, the rise of AI-driven scams poses a significant threat to online shoppers, underscoring the importance of staying informed and adopting proactive measures to protect against cybercriminals.

[Insights & Summary]
The prevalence of AI technology in online scams presents a concerning reality for consumers, requiring heightened awareness and vigilance. As the holiday season approaches, individuals must exercise caution when navigating online deals and promotions to safeguard their financial and personal information. By understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals and adhering to best practices outlined by experts, shoppers can enhance their online security and mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent activities.