Beware of AI Generated Images When Shopping Online

The Masham Community Office have posted this information found below on their Masham Community News bulletin and thought maybe it was of great importance to share with as many people. Thank you though to Masham Community Office for all their sterling work and research they carry out on our behalf. If you’re in Masham do pop in to the Community Office and say hello, there’s also loads of information in there about the dales and surrounds and lots of more to discover!

Beware of AI Generated Images When Shopping Online

Shoppers hunting for online bargains are being duped by sophisticated scam websites that convincingly pose as well known UK high street retailers, trading standards officers have warned.

The fake sites often feature polished images of smiling customers and familiar-looking shopfronts in UK towns and cities. But behind the professional appearance lies AI generated imagery, overseas sellers and, for many victims, lost money and worthless goods.

Residents are being urged to carry out simple checks before clicking the ‘buy’ button:

• businesses selling goods online must provide contact details. Check these carefully – if they are missing or cannot be verified, trading standards’ advice is not to proceed with the purchase.
• If a shopfront image is shown, check it using online street maps.
• Read reviews and comments on social media posts carefully.
• Check when websites and social media accounts were set up; scam sites are often newly created.
• If a business claims to be a limited company, check its details on the government’s guidance page, which will confirm who operates it and when it was set up.