A new study found holiday gift-givers are being inundated with online scams and Mississippi ranks No. 43 in the nation losing a record $32 million last year.
The state also ranks No. 27 for victims per capita with 902 per 100,000 residents.
Scammers are salivating because Americans will spend a record $240 billion buying gifts online this holiday season giving them unprecedented opportunities to steal gift-givers’ hard-earned money.
Reverse search company Social Catfish today released a study on the State of Online Scams 2024 using the most recent data from the FBI, FTC and trends from millions of users on its website.
Fraudsters have harnessed AI to launch more personalized and sophisticated attacks, but online shoppers can stay safe by knowing what to look for.
4 Online Holiday Shopping Scams and How to Avoid Them:
1) Look-a-Like Stores with AI Chatbots: Fake e-commerce websites that mimic trusted brands use AI customer service reps to answer questions in real time creating a sense of legitimacy.
How to Avoid: Carefully check the retailer’s URL (e.g., “Macys.com” vs. “Maceys.com”).
2) Deepfake Videos of Public Figures: Deepfake videos make it look like trusted public figures are promoting Black Friday deals in ads or social media.
How to Avoid: Audio not matching, one facial expression, one tone of voice, extra body parts.
3) Discounted Gift Cards: Phony marketplaces are selling “discounted” gift cards that have a zero balance.
How to Avoid Them: Perform a reverse search to verify the seller’s identity.
4) Suspicious Activity Alert: Consumers receive an alert of suspicious activity and must call to verify their account where an AI customer service rep steals their information.
How to Avoid: Contact the company only by using the main number on their website.
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