AI-driven scams target Indian Prime Day 2025 shoppers
McAfee detected 36,000 fake Amazon websites and 75,000 scam text messages targeting Indian Prime Day shoppers, using AI-generated deepfakes and spoofed delivery notifications. Many victims reportedly lost over 40,000 rupees, with younger adults particularly vulnerable to the exploits.
What happened
McAfee Labs detected 36,000+ fake Amazon websites and 75,000+ scam text messages targeting Prime Day shoppers globally, with India identified as a major target.
Scams include deepfake influencers endorsing fake products, fake Amazon delivery and refund notification texts designed with urgency to pressure clicks, and bogus discount codes.
Reported impact
39% of Indian consumers reported encountering AI-generated scams featuring fake celebrity endorsements, with many victims losing over 40,000 Indian rupees.
Young adults aged 18–24 showed highest vulnerability with 17% scam exposure. 96% of Indians planned to shop online during Prime Day 2025, while 71% expressed concern about AI-powered fraud.
Index analysis
Common scam lures included 'limited-time deal' texts (48%), fake delivery updates (31%), and bogus discount codes (28%), exploiting shopping urgency and persuasion tactics.
Nearly 20% of victims did not report scams due to embarrassment. 81% of consumers reported receiving suspicious messages during major sale events.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.