How to spot fake AI-generated products when shopping online

Online shoppers are facing a new kind of scam: products that look stunning in images but don’t actually exist. With the rise of AI tools like Midjourney and DALL·E, shady sellers are using artificially generated images to trick consumers. What seems like a handcrafted crochet animal or a glowing crystal mug might arrive as a cheap, poorly made knockoff—or not at all.

Pay close attention to image flaws

AI images often contain strange reflections, distorted patterns, or unrealistic textures. If something looks too perfect or feels slightly “off,” inspect closely—especially with lighting or edges that don’t make sense.

Look for consistency across images

Many listings only show a single angle, or multiple images that don’t quite match the same product. Real products will have consistent textures and features from all perspectives. Inconsistencies usually mean AI involvement.

Read the full product description

Some sellers protect themselves with vague language like “inspired by,” “resembles,” or “for illustration only.” These are red flags that the image doesn’t represent a real product. Also, check if the material claims actually match the visuals.

Check real customer reviews and photos

If reviews are positive but lack photos, be cautious. Customer-submitted images reveal the truth about what arrives.If no reviews exist, try reverse image searching to find reused AI-generated photos.

Consider the price and seller credibility

If the item looks high-end but the price is shockingly low, it’s probably too good to be true. Check the seller’s account age and product history. Scam sellers often have limited activity and a wide mix of unrelated listings.

By learning to spot these clues, you can avoid being tricked by AI-crafted scams—and shop smarter.