Study Says AI Chatbots Recommend Fake Retail Websites
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On November 13, 2026, The Verge reported that IP protection firm Podqi released research testing how three AI chatbots—ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity—respond to shopping-related questions. The study found that all three chatbots cite or display counterfeit websites, expired brand domains that have been re-registered by others, and dead sites, meaning users asking these AI assistants for shopping recommendations may be directed to counterfeit retail websites. The research covered three mainstream AI chatbot products—ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity—and tested their responses to users' shopping-related questions. This is currently the only report on the incident, with no further response from the companies involved or the researchers.
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- The Verge · AIAI chatbots are recommending fake retail websites, study finds
Research by IP protection company Podqi finds that ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity all cite or display counterfeit websites, expired brand domains re-registered by others, or defunct sites when answering shopping questions.
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