Warning about high-tech scams when shopping online.

The National Competition Commission has issued a warning about individuals using artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-generated deepfake content to impersonate celebrities, experts, and government agencies in order to advertise falsely and defraud consumers online.

Authorities advise consumers not to make transactions based solely on advertising videos or livestreams.

AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly difficult to detect.

According to a warning from the National Competition Commission, current AI technology can create images, videos, voices, and simulated content that closely resemble real people, making it very difficult for consumers to distinguish between genuine and fake.

One common tactic is using deepfake technology to impersonate celebrities, doctors, experts, police officers, or influential figures to promote products and build trust with viewers. Many AI-generated advertising videos feature realistic images and voices, leading consumers to believe that a real celebrity is promoting the product.

In addition to faking images, these individuals also use AI to create fake testimonials, before-and-after photos, fake comments, or fake livestreams to exaggerate the effectiveness of products, especially cosmetics, dietary supplements, medications, and beauty products.

Furthermore, many scammers exploit AI to create fake calls impersonating relatives, bank employees, police officers, or government officials to trick victims into transferring money, providing OTP codes, or bank account information. Some advertisements even use fake images of agencies, organizations, experts, or certificates to create a sense of credibility.

Notably, these scams often exploit consumers' desire for cheap prices, trust in celebrities, or lack of vigilance when shopping online. Many cases have resulted in people being tricked into transferring money, buying counterfeit or low-quality goods, or having their personal information and bank account details exposed simply through a fake advertising video or livestream.

In response to this situation, the National Competition Commission has sent a document to platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, Zalo, and Meta, requesting them to strengthen control over advertising, livestreaming, and business activities that show signs of violating regulations on their digital platforms.

AI-based fraud may be subject to criminal prosecution.

According to Clause 5, Article 50 of Decree 87/2026/ND-CP, advertising that is inaccurate or misleading regarding the quality, uses, or origin of a product may be subject to a fine of VND 80 million to VND 100 million. In addition to the fine, violating individuals and organizations may also be required to remove the advertisement, correct the false information, or have their relevant licenses revoked in certain cases.

Regarding the act of providing false or misleading information on social media or digital platforms, Article 101 of Decree 15/2020/ND-CP, as amended by Decree 14/2022/ND-CP, stipulates a fine of VND 10 million to VND 20 million for individuals who provide or share false or misleading information that causes public panic.

Using AI, deepfake, or digital technology to impersonate others in order to seize property may result in criminal prosecution for the crime of fraud and misappropriation of property under Article 174 of the 2015 Penal Code. Offenders may face non-custodial correctional penalties of up to 3 years, imprisonment from 6 months to 20 years, or even life imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

Furthermore, Article 16 of the 2018 Cybersecurity Law also prohibits the use of cyberspace to post false or misleading information that infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals.

Given the increasing number of AI-powered scams, authorities advise people not to transfer money, provide personal information, OTP codes, or conduct transactions based solely on advertising videos, livestreams, or other content circulating on social media.

Consumers should also prioritize purchasing from official stores, carefully checking product origins, evaluating sellers, and absolutely avoiding accessing suspicious links sent via text messages or social media. If they detect any signs of counterfeiting or false advertising, they should promptly report it to the authorities or use the reporting feature on the platform for timely assistance.

(This article incorporates data and legal information provided by LuatVietnam.vn as part of the High-Tech Crime Prevention and Control section.)

Linh Hoang, Quy Khanh

Source: https://nhandan.vn/canh-bao-lua-dao-cong-nghe-cao-khi-mua-hang-online-post963756.html