Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 1 hr ago
AI tools are helping criminals create fake online shops and scams
Criminals are using AI to make scams more convincing and try to take people’s money.
Some create fake websites that claim to be family-run shops selling quality products made in the UK.
The sites may use images of British high streets and Union Jack flags to look genuine.
Orders may never arrive or may be cheap mass-produced goods, trading standards officers warn.
AI-generated images, voice cloning and deepfake videos are also being used to deceive people.
National Trading Standards has drawn up its first AI scam watchlist, highlighting tools and techniques used by criminals.
Shoppers are being warned to be careful about where they buy from.
Criminals are using AI to create fake online shops and other scams, according to National Trading Standards.
Some fake retailers claim to be family-owned businesses selling quality products made in the UK.
Customers may receive no product or a cheap, mass-produced item instead, trading standards officers say.
AI-generated images, voice cloning and deepfake videos are also being used to trick people out of money.
National Trading Standards has drawn up its first AI scam watchlist, highlighting tools and techniques used by criminals.
- Who
- Criminals are using AI to run scams. National Trading Standards has warned shoppers.
- What
- Fake online shops and other AI-enabled scams are being used to trick people out of money.
- When
- The article was published on 18 October 2026.
- Where
- The fake retailers claim to sell UK-made products; the article does not state where the criminals operate.
- Why
- To trick people out of their money.
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- First AI scam watchlist
- Drawn up by National Trading Standards
- Fake retailer claims
- Family-owned firms selling quality UK-made products
- Possible order outcomes
- No product arrives, or a cheap mass-produced item is delivered
- AI techniques
- Generated images, voice cloning and deepfake videos