ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The FBI is alerting consumers to a surge in shopping and charity scams aimed at social media users as the holiday season reaches its peak. With Christmas just a week away, these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often utilizing artificial intelligence to replicate popular brands and retailers.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Bureau, scammers are leveraging AI to produce fake advertisements that closely resemble those of legitimate companies. FBI Special Agent Dan Polk shared a personal account of how his mother fell prey to a fraudulent Instagram advertisement. “She was on Instagram, and she saw a dress from a company that she followed on Instagram that she loved,” Polk recounted. “The dress was on sale for 80 percent off. Went to that website by clicking on that ad. The site looks identical to the site she knows, connected to her PayPal, money’s gone.”
Polk emphasized that scammers are adept at capitalizing on trending products and brands, creating ads that often extend well beyond clothing to include major retailers such as Target, Macy’s, and Best Buy. The fraudulent ads frequently feature deceptive countdown timers or flash sales to lure users into clicking on links.
FBI agents anticipate a rise in these scams during the final shopping days before Christmas, as consumers rush to complete their holiday purchases. To mitigate risks, they advise against clicking on promoted links and recommend typing the retailer’s verified website directly into a browser to search for products.
The agency noted that this time of year also sees an uptick in scams targeting older individuals, who may have more disposable income. These scams encompass not only shopping fraud but also romance and charity scams, where criminals encourage victims to deposit money into cryptocurrency ATMs located in convenience stores. Agents highlighted that this method is often easier for scammers than soliciting gift cards.
In response to the growing threat, the FBI urges consumers to copy suspicious links and use search engines or AI chatbots to verify their legitimacy. The agency has also produced educational videos on holiday scams, available on their website, to help inform and protect the public.
If individuals believe they have fallen victim to a scam, the FBI recommends contacting IC3.gov immediately. In some cases, such as when a victim reports wiring a significant amount of money shortly after being scammed, the FBI may be able to reverse the transaction if action is taken quickly.
This holiday season, as consumers navigate the digital landscape of shopping and charitable giving, vigilance against sophisticated scams has never been more critical. With AI tools making it easier for criminals to exploit unsuspecting users, awareness and proactive measures are essential to safeguard personal finances.
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