Role Of AI In Securing Online Shopping: Avoiding Scams & Fake Reviews

By Piyush GuptaShopping online has become a part of daily life. It is quick, easy, and usually hassle-free. But as the e-commerce sector grows, set to hit $325 billion by 2030, according to Deloitte, so do the risks. From fake product listings to phishing sites and fake reviews, online shoppers have to stay more alert than ever. The more the market expands, the more chances there are for scammers to take advantage.Combating Online ScamsThis widespread online adoption, unfortunately, creates fertile ground for scammers, who exploit the vast pool of digital consumers through fake listings, phishing emails, and counterfeit goods. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre reported that e-commerce complaints made up a significant portion of 65,000+ online fraud cases in 2023.Modern security systems, powered by AI, analyse user behaviour, transaction patterns, and device information to catch suspicious activity. When unusual patterns emerge — like multiple purchases from one IP address — protective measures activate automatically.AI-driven security tools check emails and websites for threats targeting personal information. These systems identify small domain differences to protect users from dangerous sites.Tackling Fake ReviewsDeceptive reviews guide consumers toward inferior products. A LocalCircles survey revealed 78% of Indian online shoppers felt misled by fake or paid reviews at least once in 2023. The volume of reviews makes human monitoring impossible.AI-powered pattern detection identifies suspicious reviews. Posts appearing together with similar wording or from accounts without history raise flags for investigation. Major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart implement these methods to maintain review quality.Verification processes, often backed by AI, match reviews with actual purchase records, ensuring authentic feedback shapes product ratings and builds consumer trust.Securing TransactionsWith over 300 million digital payment users in India, financial security remains essential. AI-driven transaction monitoring using behavioural analysis blocks suspicious payments before completion.When someone logs in from a new location attempting a large purchase, AI-based verification systems require additional proof of identity or temporarily stop the transaction, reducing fraud opportunities.Future of E-Commerce SecurityGovernment support comes through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Digital India initiative, recognising cybersecurity's importance for consumers.AI technologies in security constantly evolve against emerging threats. From fraud detection to content verification, these systems create safer shopping environments while requiring both responsible implementation and consumer awareness.As online shopping becomes routine for millions of Indians, effective AI-driven security measures protect them from digital marketplace dangers.Consumer BenefitsThere are numerous advantages for customers when e-commerce systems incorporate advanced AI-powered safety features. First of all, it lessens the likelihood of buying fake products, which can be dangerous in industries like electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Second, it ensures that financial and personal data are safeguarded throughout transactions. Thirdly, it enables customers to make more informed selections about what to buy by using real reviews.Despite the developments in technology, consumer awareness is still necessary. Risk is greatly decreased by being aware of simple security procedures, such as verifying website URLs, making use of secure payment methods, and being wary of offers that seem too good to be true.Industry CollaborationIn order to tackle fraud together, India's top e-commerce platforms now exchange threat intelligence and best practices. This partnership strengthens the defensive network by involving banks, payment processors, and cybersecurity companies.Cloud-based security solutions that were formerly only available to major companies are advantageous to small and medium-sized online retailers. Organisations of all sizes are protected by this democratisation of security technology.India's growing e-commerce sector is protected by several levels due to a combination of sophisticated security measures, government initiatives, business cooperation, and customer awareness. This multifaceted strategy will keep evolving to ensure that hundreds of millions of Indian consumers can purchase online safely as threats and technology change.(The author is the CEO of VOSMOS)Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.

By Piyush Gupta Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.

push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-9167143-2"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Shopping online has become a part of daily life. It is quick, easy, and usually hassle-free.

But as the e-commerce sector grows, set to hit $325 billion by 2030, according to Deloitte, so do the risks. From fake product listings to phishing sites and fake reviews, online shoppers have to stay more alert than ever. The more the market expands, the more chances there are for scammers to take advantage.

Combating Online Scams This widespread online adoption, unfortunately, creates fertile ground for scammers, who exploit the vast pool of digital consumers through fake listings, phishing emails, and counterfeit goods. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre reported that e-commerce complaints made up a significant portion of 65,000+ online fraud cases in 2023. Continues below advertisement window.

addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.

display("div-gpt-ad-1253031-3"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Modern security systems, powered by AI, analyse user behaviour, transaction patterns, and device information to catch suspicious activity. When unusual patterns emerge — like multiple purchases from one IP address — protective measures activate automatically. AI-driven security tools check emails and websites for threats targeting personal information.

These systems identify small domain differences to protect users from dangerous sites. Tackling Fake Reviews Deceptive reviews guide consumers toward inferior products. A LocalCircles survey revealed 78% of Indian online shoppers felt misled by fake or paid reviews at least once in 2023.

The volume of reviews makes human monitoring impossible. AI-powered pattern detection identifies suspicious reviews. Posts appearing together with similar wording or from accounts without history raise flags for investigation.

Major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart implement these methods to maintain review quality. Verification processes, often backed by AI, match reviews with actual purchase records, ensuring authentic feedback shapes product ratings and builds consumer trust. Securing Transactions With over 300 million digital payment users in India, financial security remains essential.

AI-driven transaction monitoring using behavioural analysis blocks suspicious payments before completion. When someone logs in from a new location attempting a large purchase, AI-based verification systems require additional proof of identity or temporarily stop the transaction, reducing fraud opportunities. Future of E-Commerce Security Government support comes through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Digital India initiative, recognising cybersecurity's importance for consumers.

AI technologies in security constantly evolve against emerging threats. From fraud detection to content verification, these systems create safer shopping environments while requiring both responsible implementation and consumer awareness. As online shopping becomes routine for millions of Indians, effective AI-driven security measures protect them from digital marketplace dangers.

Consumer Benefits There are numerous advantages for customers when e-commerce systems incorporate advanced AI-powered safety features. First of all, it lessens the likelihood of buying fake products, which can be dangerous in industries like electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Second, it ensures that financial and personal data are safeguarded throughout transactions.

Thirdly, it enables customers to make more informed selections about what to buy by using real reviews. Despite the developments in technology, consumer awareness is still necessary. Risk is greatly decreased by being aware of simple security procedures, such as verifying website URLs, making use of secure payment methods, and being wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

Industry Collaboration In order to tackle fraud together, India's top e-commerce platforms now exchange threat intelligence and best practices. This partnership strengthens the defensive network by involving banks, payment processors, and cybersecurity companies. Cloud-based security solutions that were formerly only available to major companies are advantageous to small and medium-sized online retailers.

Organisations of all sizes are protected by this democratisation of security technology. India's growing e-commerce sector is protected by several levels due to a combination of sophisticated security measures, government initiatives, business cooperation, and customer awareness. This multifaceted strategy will keep evolving to ensure that hundreds of millions of Indian consumers can purchase online safely as threats and technology change.

(The author is the CEO of VOSMOS) Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd..