Tech

AI chatbots are recommending fake retail websites, study finds

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 12/11/2026, 17:01:26 UTC.

Briefings

A new study by IP protection firm Podqi, shared with The Verge, found that AI chatbots can direct users to fake retail sites. The test involved 151 brands and questions about online purchasing, shipping, and regional websites. Results were collected over two testing periods in September.

Key points

• AI chatbots can direct users to fake retail sites when asked about purchasing specific brands.
• The test involved 151 brands and questions about online purchasing, shipping, and regional websites.

Context

Podqi conducted the study by sharing questions with major AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. The findings were shared exclusively with The Verge.

Limitations

Evidence is limited to a single study conducted by Podqi in September. Results are based on simulated user interactions with AI models and do not reflect real-world usage patterns or long-term safety outcomes.

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