Santander has released a series of 10 deliberately fake, AI-generated social media ads in a campaign designed to highlight just how convincing online scam content has become.
Timed for the pre-Christmas shopping rush, the adverts mimic real scam techniques to show consumers how easily they can be misled and to teach them how to spot the red flags.
Each example features classic markers of fraudulent AI content, including prices that seem impossibly low, urgency-driving phrases like “limited-time offer” or “exclusive deal,” distorted visuals, odd image details and misspelled or suspicious web addresses.
The launch comes after research from Santander UK which found that 56% of Brits fear that they or a family member could fall victim to this type of scam and 50% don’t know what to believe when it comes to things they are buying online.
In addition, 74% of Brits that the bank surveyed couldn’t correctly identify a fake, AI generated social media advert.
To expand the reach, Santander’s fraud team also joined BBC Morning Live to discuss the rise of purchase scams, many of which originate on social platforms.
Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK said: “Generative AI has opened the floodgates to a new wave of highly convincing scams that can be almost impossible to spot at first glance. As fraudsters become more sophisticated, it’s vital that people stay alert and think twice before engaging with adverts or offers that appear to- good to be true. We want to make sure everyone knows what to look for so they can shop online with confidence, particularly as we head into one of the busiest shopping periods.”