Israel Warned of New AI-Powered Scams Ahead of November Sales

Israel's National Cyber Directorate has issued a warning to citizens about sophisticated new online scams emerging ahead of the November sales season. These schemes are becoming increasingly convincing due to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which allows criminals to rapidly create realistic fake online stores and impersonate delivery services. Scammers are setting up fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate e-commerce platforms, complete with convincing product descriptions and offers, aiming to steal banking details and personal information. They are also sending out fake delivery notifications, often free of the grammatical errors that previously flagged such messages. These tactics are particularly prevalent during peak shopping periods when consumers expect multiple packages. The scams often involve messages claiming delivery delays or requiring additional payment, directing users to fake courier websites where they are prompted to enter sensitive data. The Cyber Directorate also cautioned that using AI chatbots for shopping can be risky, as they might inadvertently direct users to untrustworthy sites. Users are advised against sharing banking details, ID numbers, passwords, or one-time codes with chatbots, as this information could be exploited. Granting AI agents broad access to email, online store accounts, and payment tools also increases the risk of data compromise. Consumers are urged to manually verify all purchase details and conditions directly with sellers, even when AI facilitates the process. Scammers may create a false sense of urgency with limited-time offers. Before making a purchase, it is recommended to verify the seller's contact information, return policies, and customer support. Navigating to online stores via direct address entry or official apps is safer than using links from unsolicited messages. To mitigate financial risks, using a separate bank card with a limited credit limit is advised. Two-factor authentication and transaction alerts are also recommended, along with avoiding saving card details on unfamiliar platforms. Users should never share one-time confirmation codes with anyone claiming to be from a bank or service provider. If delivery issues arise, consumers should independently check the official carrier website using the tracking number, rather than clicking links in suspicious messages. In response to these threats, Israel is preparing to launch a new free link-checking tool called "Click-Check" next week on the National Cyber Directorate's portal. This service will allow users to assess the potential danger of suspicious URLs without visiting them. Citizens can report suspicious websites and cyber incidents to the National Cyber Directorate at 119. The directorate stresses the importance of vigilance, even with familiar platforms and AI services, as the November sales period presents ideal conditions for fraudsters.