# Study finds AI chatbots sometimes link shoppers to fake retail sites

> Google Gemini, OpenAI ChatGPT and Perplexity were tested on 151 brands; risky site links appeared in 4‑15% of answers.

Oossa · 2026-11-12 · https://oossa.com/en/study-finds-ai-chatbots-sometimes-link-shoppers-to-fake-retail-sites

A study by IP‑protection firm Podqi asked ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Perplexity for top shopping sites for 151 brands. All three chatbots sometimes suggested fake or dead websites that could trick shoppers. Gemini linked to risky sites in 4% of its 6,795 answers, ChatGPT in 8%, and Perplexity in 15%. The test covered brands from Lululemon to Le Creuset and ran over two periods in September.

## The facts

- 6,795 AI answers examined
- Gemini risky links: 4%; ChatGPT: 8%; Perplexity: 15%

## Why it matters

Consumers using AI for holiday shopping may be led to fraudulent sites, so they need to verify links before entering personal or payment information.

## Sources & references

1. [AI chatbots are recommending fake retail websites, study finds](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1032020/gemini-chatgpt-perplexity-shopping-test-risky-fake-websites-citations) – The Verge, 2026-11-12

Last updated: 2026-11-12