Cyber security chiefs have warned Black Friday bargain hunters to increase their vigilance this shopping season as online fraudsters are likely to use artificial intelligence (AI) to try and fool people into parting with their money – and for once it is not pensioners who are the main targets.
The National Cyber Security Centre, which is a part of the UK’s intelligence agency GCHQ, is warning that cyber criminals are likely to use AI technology such as large language models to produce more convincing scam emails, fake adverts and bogus websites.
Figures have revealed that the age group most likely to fall victim to a scam were 25 to 34-year-olds, closely followed by 35 to 44-year-olds and the 18 to 24 age groups.
While AI offers opportunities for society, it can also be exploited by fraudsters to help them produce accurate and professional-looking content intended to dupe victims into giving away their financial details or download malware on an increasingly large scale.
The warning came as new data from Revealing Reality/Yonder found that 72% of British people were worried that new technology such as AI will make it easier for criminals to commit online fraud.
Previously, scams could often be identified by features such as poor grammar or spelling, coming from an unusual email address, or imagery or design that simply feels off.
But while AI might generate more polished communication in phishing attempts, many of the typical hallmarks of a scam remain the same.
The centre is urging shoppers to look out for:
• Urgency: Is a website or email warning of a limited time to respond? Criminals often threaten negative consequences or costs;
• Scarcity: Is the message offering something in short supply? Fear of missing out on a good deal can make you respond quickly;
• Current events, such as Black Friday: Criminals will often exploit current news stories or specific times of year to make their scam seem more relevant.
Shoppers have been reminded that with scams increasingly convincing, it was even more important to have basic security measures in place when it came to email security, including switching on two-step verification (2SV) and have a strong password made up of three random words.
Felicity Oswald, the centre’s chief operating officer, said: “As we enter the Black Friday and festive shopping period, online shoppers will naturally be on the lookout for bargain buys.
“Regrettably, cyber criminals view this time of year as an opportunity to scam people out of their hard-earned cash, and the increased availability and capability of technology like large language models is making scams more convincing.
“I would urge shoppers to follow the steps in our online shopping guidance, which includes setting up two-step verification and using passwords with three random words, so they’re easier to remember and harder to hack.”
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, which is run by the City of London Police, revealed that British people lost £10.6 million to online scammers between November 2022 and January 2023 – with each victim losing £639 on average.
The figures, which came from the reports made to Action Fraud and analysed by the bureau, revealed that more than half of reports (51%) mentioned one social media account, showing that social media platforms were by far the most likely medium for shopping and auction fraud to take place.
Pauline Smith, head of Action Fraud, said: “We know that because of the rising cost of living, people are looking to try and get the most from their money and save where they can. This year’s festive season will no doubt add pressure on people at an already expensive time of year.
“With retailers already slashing prices for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, it is easy to rush into making a purchase to try and grab a bargain. But don’t forget, criminals still operate at this time of year and will do anything they can to try and get you to part with your money.
“Make sure you know where and who you are buying from. While our figures show that people aged 25-34 are most likely to fall victim to an online shopping scam, fraud can affect anyone of any age. Be alert when using social media to purchase items as more than half of people who reported online shopping fraud to Action Fraud encountered a problem on these sites.
“Where possible, use a credit card when shopping online as this will offer you more protection if anything goes wrong, and follow our practical advice to help you shop online safely.”
(Photo: Rawpixelimages / Dreamstime).
