Visa has published the results of a new study on online security. It examined how attitudes towards AI-generated content affect the likelihood that consumers, including Poles, will become victims of online fraud. The study shows that Poles who cannot distinguish between AI-generated content and real content are more than four times as vulnerable to financial fraud on social media as those who can spot the difference – 63 per cent versus 14 per cent, respectively.

What is more, the analysis indicates that everyday negative habits related to internet use create new gaps that fraudsters are quick to exploit. As many as one-third of Poles read no more than the headline of a news item before forming an opinion. One-quarter of social media posts are shared without verifying whether the information they contain is authentic.

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Meanwhile, almost one-third of Poles who have fallen victim to any online fraud are subsequently hesitant to shop online for fear of becoming a target of criminals again. According to Visa, this has a particularly significant impact on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. They are heavily dependent on consumer confidence.

The organisation declares that this is why it has been using artificial intelligence-based tools for over 30 years to ensure payment security and stay ahead of constantly evolving threats. In the last five years alone, Visa has invested USD 12 billion in technology, including the development of intelligent AI-based systems that detect suspicious behaviour in real time and neutralise threats before consumers even encounter them.

"AI significantly affects how we live and work, but it also brings new risks. Fraudsters use various tools to deceive and exploit other people, undermining trust in online channels. It is becoming increasingly easy to confuse falsehood with fact, and the real consequences are lost money, time, and trust", says Mateusz Oleksy, CEO of Visa in Poland.

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When publishing the results of its latest study, Visa also released a short guide on safe social media behaviour. It suggests questioning the content's credibility as you read. Before clicking 'share', consider whether what you are currently reading or seeing is definitely true. Taking a deep breath, looking away from your smartphone for a moment, and then looking at the post again will undoubtedly help you reflect.

Visa also advises against assuming that a message from a well-known person is authentic, as such people are often victims of identity theft. As always, it is also advisable to protect your social media accounts by enabling two-factor authentication.

And when it comes to paying, it is better not to pay at all than to pay and lose money when you are not sure that the offer is secure.