Fake retail websites designed to deceive unsuspecting consumers are surfacing in ChatGPT search results. These fraudulent sites mimic legitimate web addresses to collect payments for products that are never delivered.
Ask Silver, an anti-scam service, has identified cloned websites posing as popular brands like Russell & Bromley and Dunelm in chat recommendations following consumer inquiries.
The Mirror reached out to Dunelm and Next, the parent company of Russell & Bromley, for comments. ChatGPT stated it has implemented measures to prevent the display of such deceptive sites in its chat service and encourages users to report any violations.
Alex Somervell, co-founder of Ask Silver, expressed concern over the emergence of these scam sites being endorsed by AI, indicating a potential rise in fraudulent activities. He emphasized the importance of verifying websites before disclosing personal information or making payments.
Louise Baxter MBE, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team, advised consumers not to blindly trust websites endorsed by AI tools and emphasized the significance of conducting checks before engaging in transactions to avoid falling victim to scams.
To report scams and fraud, contact Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or visit the Action Fraud website. In Scotland, report scams to Police Scotland at 101 and Advice Direct Scotland at 0808 164 6000 or through their website. Suspicious emails should be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk, while suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 7726. Dodgy websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.
If receiving suspicious calls, hang up and verify the caller’s contact details online instead of calling back the provided number. Contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraudulent access to your account or call the 159 hotline to connect with your bank. Change compromised passwords promptly.
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