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Connecticut Better Business Bureau warns of AI-driven scams

CROMWELL, Conn. — The Connecticut Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a serious warning regarding a surge in online scams utilizing advanced AI technologies. This development poses significant risks for consumers engaging in online shopping.

The BBB highlights that cyber criminals are leveraging artificial intelligence to create more plausible online ads, making it increasingly challenging for consumers to identify potential scams. ‘With AI, they can make it sound like how we talk and how we write and make it much harder for us to figure out if it’s a scam because they can write it pretty perfectly now,’ stated BBB employee Kristen Johnson.

Previously, warning signs such as poor grammar and spelling errors in online advertisements were red flags indicating a scam. However, these anomalies have largely disappeared due to the sophistication brought on by AI. Johnson elaborated, ‘Why they’re so good is that they are able to copy the pictures, the fonts, and the logos from real websites.’

Among the alarming examples are counterfeit ads found on popular platforms like Amazon, boasting enticing offers such as 50% discounts on unclaimed electronics. Johnson advised consumers to be cautious, pointing out that these ads often feature multiple products at once and unusually large discounts.

Scammers are particularly targeting sectors including puppy breeding, beauty products, and electronics, prompting the BBB to urge consumers to conduct thorough research before making online purchases.

One Bridgeport resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared his unfortunate experience with online scams. He fell for a puppy advertisement that seemed genuine, leading him to send over $3,000 to the scammer. ‘I went to the bank; they couldn’t do anything,’ he lamented. Following his loss, he filed a police report, but attempts to contact the scammer yielded no results.

The BBB emphasizes the importance of consumer vigilance. Potential buyers are advised to use credit cards rather than cash payment options and to verify contact information before engaging in transactions. Johnson summarized, ‘Also, look up the address that’s listed; if there’s not an address, that’s a red flag.’

For the latest updates, visit the BBB website.

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