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November 12, 2026 ~ Susan Tompor, Personal Finance Columnist with the Detroit Free Press tell Chris, Jamie and Lloyd that fake online shopping sites are popping up here during the Christmas shopping season, and what you need to watch for when shopping online to avoid getting scammed.
DETROIT ~ As the holiday shopping season approaches, experts are warning consumers to be cautious of fake online stores that use polished websites, social media ads and AI-generated images to appear legitimate. Many shoppers are drawn in by heavily discounted products, only to discover their orders never arrive or that the items they receive are far different from what was advertised.
The rise of artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever for scammers to create convincing storefronts and advertisements, often targeting consumers based on their shopping habits and interests. To avoid becoming victims, shoppers are encouraged to research unfamiliar retailers, look for customer service and return policy information, search for complaints online and visit a company’s official website directly rather than purchasing through a social media advertisement.
