A scam-checking service has issued a stark warning about artificial intelligence chatbots being manipulated to promote fraudulent retail websites. Ask Silver, a firm dedicated to identifying scams, reports that criminals are 'poisoning' AI systems such as ChatGPT, causing them to display rogue webpages in search results.
How the Scam Works
Fake retail websites that mimic legitimate brands are now appearing in ChatGPT responses. These sites use web addresses that closely resemble the real ones and trick users into making payments for products that never arrive. Ask Silver has identified cloned sites pretending to be Russell & Bromley and Dunelm after shoppers asked for product recommendations.
Industry Response
The Mirror contacted Dunelm and Next, the owner of Russell & Bromley, for comment. ChatGPT stated it has implemented measures to prevent such sites from appearing in its chat service and encourages users to report any violating websites or sources.
Expert Warnings
Alex Somervell, co-founder of Ask Silver, expressed shock at the discovery: 'We were shocked to find that these clone sites are now being recommended by AI. This is likely the beginning of a new pattern of behaviour in fraud, and may be just the tip of the iceberg. A recommendation from an online search or from AI can be the start of your research, but not the end of it. It’s always worth taking a few seconds to verify the website before entering any personal information or payment details.'
Louise Baxter MBE, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team, added: 'People should not assume that a website is genuine simply because it has been recommended by an AI tool. The best defence is to stop and think. A quick check before buying anything or giving any personal information could prevent you from becoming the victim of a scam.'
How to Report Scams
If you encounter a scam, you can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or through their website. In Scotland, report scams to Police Scotland on 101 and to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or via their website.
For scam emails, forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk. For scam text messages, forward them to 7726 for free. Suspicious websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.
If you suspect a scammer is calling, hang up immediately and search for the legitimate contact details of the organisation they claim to represent. Never call back the number provided by the caller. Contact your bank immediately if you think a fraudster has accessed your account. You can call the 159 hotline, which connects you directly to your bank.
Finally, any passwords that have been leaked or compromised should be changed immediately to prevent further unauthorised access.
