One of the best creations since the internet is being able to shop online without ever needing to leave your home. The modern internet has certainly evolved and has made anything from selling, shipping, and making easy — anywhere around the world. However, if you are not leaving your home to see the product anymore, and most items are made from literally anywhere in the world, buying the real thing online has certainly gotten harder over time. 

Viral "crystal mug" that duped the internet. Source from Don’t Get Scammed! Tips For Spotting AI-Generated Fake Products Online.

It has even gotten worse with AI coming through and being able to create realistic product photos without ever actually using the real thing. Here are ways you can protect yourself from getting — yup... scammed aka wrongfully duped: 

• Only buy from reputable platforms and websites that offer buyer protection. 
• If the item looks funky and almost too extreme to be true, it might be. 
• Lastly, if the price doesn’t match up with the so-far deal and you get a gut feeling that it’s too good to be true — it probably is. 

We hope you stay safe and take measurable steps to keep not only your wallet safe, but also to protect yourself from the disappointment you can find online.