ESET warns New Zealanders of AI search results directing users to scam sites

Cybersecurity researchers at ESET have issued warnings to consumers and businesses in New Zealand regarding AI-generated search results. New data indicates that ChatGPT search results have routinely directed users toward high-risk websites, including fake online stores, cryptocurrency scams, and imitation login pages.

Experts warn that the surge in AI adoption—with four out of five New Zealanders now using the technology—has created a false sense of security. Users may place blind faith in AI recommendations, assuming that provided links have been vetted for safety. However, monitoring over a 30-day period revealed that some AI responses linked to malicious computer code capable of stealing information or compromising devices.

Scott Leman, ESET NZ country manager, emphasized that users should treat links generated by AI tools with the same caution as any other online source, noting that a recommendation from a trusted tool does not guarantee the destination is genuine or safe.