ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot, has been found recommending fake retail websites that appear to be legitimate but are designed to steal money and payment details. According to findings shared by scam-detection service Ask Silver, cloned online stores have started appearing in ChatGPT-generated shopping results, tricking users into making purchases on fraudulent sites.
Background: How Scammers Exploited a Retailer's Disappearance
The problem stems in part from the collapse of Russell & Bromley, a well-known shoe retailer that went into administration in January 2026 and was later acquired by Next. When the brand’s independent website vanished, scammers quickly created convincing copycat versions to fill the void, hoping to catch shoppers still searching for the original site. These fake pages often feature links to popular brands like Russell & Bromley or Dunelm, making them appear authentic to unsuspecting users.
Once a user places an order on one of these cloned sites, they not only lose their money but also expose their payment details to fraudsters. The Guardian reported instances where ChatGPT led users directly to such deceptive websites, raising concerns about the reliability of AI-generated shopping recommendations.
Significance: The Growing Threat of AI Poisoning
Researchers suspect that scammers are using a technique called “AI poisoning,” where they flood the web with fake information and cloned pages that are eventually absorbed by large language models like ChatGPT. This unwittingly promotes scams by treating fraudulent sources as if they were real. As AI tools play an even bigger role in how people search and shop online, this vulnerability could put more consumers at risk.
Louise Baxter, head of the scams team at National Trading Standards, warned that criminals are quick to adapt to new technology. “They will use any channel that gives them access to potential victims,” she said. Baxter emphasized that the warning signs remain the same: massive discounts, strange website addresses, bad contact information, and requests for bank transfers should all be treated with suspicion.
Public Impact: Who Is Affected and Why It Matters
Anyone using ChatGPT to find shopping deals or specific retailers is potentially affected. The risk is particularly high for users who trust AI-generated recommendations without double-checking the legitimacy of the websites. Victims can suffer financial loss and have their payment details stolen, leading to further fraud. Consumer protection experts say people shouldn’t assume a recommendation can be trusted just because it comes from an AI chatbot.
Although OpenAI has taken down some of the flagged sites after being reported, the underlying problem remains. The ease with which scammers can manipulate search results and AI models means that new fake stores may continue to appear.
What Comes Next: Strengthening Safeguards
Experts recommend going directly to the websites of official retailers instead of relying on AI-generated links. For companies like OpenAI, the challenge is to implement stronger safeguards to prevent fraudulent pages from being promoted. As AI shopping assistants become more common, the pressure is on developers to ensure their systems can detect and exclude scam content before it reaches users.
Until then, consumers need to stay vigilant. Baxter’s advice is clear: stick to trusted sources, verify website addresses, and avoid any payment requests that seem unusual. The convenience of AI shopping comes with new risks, and being aware of them is the first step to staying safe.
Source: Android Authority.
