As the holiday shopping season approaches, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning regarding a significant increase in online scams, exacerbated by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). The emergence of sophisticated technologies has made it increasingly difficult for consumers to discern legitimate offers from fraudulent schemes. Kayla McCleery, speaking to KOCO 5 News, explained that Oklahomans lost more than $66 million to internet crimes in the year 2023 alone, with year-end shopping sprees particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
McCleery cautioned shoppers that criminals do not pause their activities during the festive period, urging individuals to exercise increased vigilance during significant sales events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. "We just want to remind everyone to be extra cautious," McCleery stated. Common scams during this period include fake websites, unsolicited emails, and deceptive social media advertisements promising discounts that appear too good to be true.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has also highlighted certain characteristics that consumers should watch out for when shopping online. Kitt Letcher, representative of the BBB of Central Oklahoma, noted that urgency is often a red flag. Scammers may employ countdown timers or claim that special offers are limited, prompting users to act swiftly and without due diligence.
One particularly troubling trend reported by the FBI is the rise of "puppy scams," where fraudulent ads for non-existent pets lead to substantial financial losses for unsuspecting victims. In 2024 alone, such scams have accounted for over $5.6 million in losses.
The impact of AI technology on these scams is significant. Advances in machine learning and automated content generation enable criminals to create highly sophisticated advertisements and websites that mimic those of reputable retailers. McCleery pointed out, "They're just able to generate more sophisticated and realistic-looking advertisements, emails, mass marketing campaigns, and websites that can appear to come from some of your favourite local retailers."
Experts advise consumers to take proactive measures when shopping online this holiday season. Suggested precautions include securing bank accounts, creating strong passwords, and regularly monitoring financial statements. Additionally, it is recommended that consumers verify the authenticity of offers by visiting manufacturers’ websites directly rather than relying solely on third-party links.
Should individuals fall victim to a scam, the FBI advises immediate action, including contacting local law enforcement and financial institutions, as well as filing a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
As technology continues to evolve, the threat posed by online scams remains a pressing concern, especially during the heightened consumer activity that characterises the holiday season.
Source: Noah Wire Services