AI-Driven Lawn Care Scam Targets TikTok Users
A disturbing new scam leveraging artificial intelligence is sweeping across TikTok, preying on unsuspecting homeowners looking to spruce up their gardens. Fraudsters are using AI-generated images and fake profiles to advertise non-existent lawn care services, only to disappear once payments are made.
How the Scam Works
The con artists create professional-looking advertisements showcasing pristine lawns and gardens, often using AI to generate before-and-after images. They lure victims with promises of affordable, high-quality landscaping services.
- Scammers post fake ads on TikTok and other social platforms
- They use AI-generated images to appear legitimate
- Victims pay deposits via untraceable methods
- Fraudsters vanish without providing any services
Authorities Issue Warning
Consumer protection agencies across the UK have issued alerts about this growing trend. "These criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated," warns a spokesperson from Trading Standards. "They're exploiting people's trust in visual content and the convenience of social media transactions."
Protecting Yourself From Digital Fraud
Experts recommend several precautions:
- Always verify business credentials before paying
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
- Use secure payment methods with buyer protection
- Reverse image search any suspicious before/after photos
As AI technology becomes more accessible, authorities expect such scams to proliferate. Homeowners are urged to remain vigilant when engaging with service providers online.
