The provided content is a detailed Kaspersky blog article explaining how consumers can leverage AI-powered large language models (LLMs) to navigate Black Friday sales more safely and effectively. It outlines common deceptive retail tactics, such as artificially inflating prices before sales to create the illusion of large discounts, which can mislead buyers. The article describes step-by-step methods to use LLMs for creating shopping lists, tracking price histories with third-party tools, analyzing price dynamics to detect manipulation, finding alternative products, and vetting sellers for legitimacy. It also provides tailored prompts for different LLMs (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) to maximize their utility in shopping decisions. The blog emphasizes that while AI can help consumers avoid scams and make rational purchasing decisions, users should still maintain cybersecurity hygiene to avoid phishing and malware risks. Importantly, the article does not describe a technical vulnerability or exploit affecting software or hardware systems, but rather focuses on consumer fraud and the use of AI as a defensive tool against it.

Since this content does not describe a direct cybersecurity vulnerability or threat to IT infrastructure, the impact on European organizations is minimal from a technical security perspective. However, the underlying issue of deceptive pricing and fraudulent online stores during major sales events like Black Friday can lead to financial losses and reputational damage for European consumers and businesses. Retailers engaging in misleading pricing tactics risk regulatory penalties under EU consumer protection laws such as the Omnibus Directive. Additionally, the rise in fake online stores during sales periods increases the risk of phishing, fraud, and potential malware infections for consumers, which could indirectly affect organizations if employees fall victim. The advisory nature of the content encourages better consumer awareness and use of AI tools to reduce financial fraud risks, which can benefit European markets by promoting safer e-commerce practices.

While the blog primarily targets consumers, European organizations can adopt several practical measures to mitigate risks related to fraudulent online sales and deceptive pricing: 1) Educate employees and customers about common retail scams and the use of AI tools to verify genuine discounts and seller legitimacy. 2) Encourage the use of reputable price-tracking services (e.g., CamelCamelCamel, Keepa) and AI assistants to analyze price histories before purchases. 3) Implement internal policies to avoid impulse buying during sales and promote critical evaluation of offers. 4) Monitor and report suspicious online stores to regulatory authorities to help enforce consumer protection laws. 5) Deploy advanced endpoint security solutions to detect phishing and malware that may be delivered via scam websites or emails during sales events. 6) For retailers, ensure compliance with EU pricing transparency regulations and maintain clear, honest pricing to build consumer trust. 7) Leverage AI internally to monitor e-commerce platforms for fraudulent sellers or suspicious pricing patterns. These steps go beyond generic advice by integrating AI-assisted verification and regulatory compliance focus.