# Banks Warn AI Agents Could Boost Shopping Scams

> Banks fear AI shopping agents may increase scams and fraud as they push for safer adoption.
- Title: Banks Warn AI Agents Could Boost Shopping Scams · PCMAG
- Summary: Banks fear AI shopping agents may increase scams and fraud as they push for safer adoption. Six major banks warn agentic AI tools could raise online shopping…
- Keywords: ai agents, shopping scams, banks, bank of america, capital one, commonwealth bank of australia, ing group, natwest group, agentic commerce, fraud, technology, Warn
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/could-ai-agents-cause-a-spike-in-shopping-scams-these-banks-think-so
- Author: James Peckham
- Published: 2026-09-23T15:35:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ai agents, shopping scams, banks, bank of america, capital one, commonwealth bank of australia, ing group, natwest group, agentic commerce, fraud, technology
## AI agents promised to simplify shopping
Personal AI agents are sold as a way to take pain out of online shopping by helping find products, deals, and handling payments and shipping.
## Six banks publish principles paper
Six banking groups, ASB Bank, Bank of America, Capital One, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ING Group, and NatWest Group, released a principles paper on agentic commerce risks.
## AI tools may increase scams and fraud
The paper notes agentic commerce has the potential for higher rates of scams, fraud, and disputes, including fake items and unsafe websites.
## Malicious actors target AI agents
Malicious actors may attempt new attack vectors for scams and fraud, including compromising or impersonating AI agents and merchants.
## Blame for bad purchases unclear
Banks are concerned about where blame would lie if an agent bought a product you're unhappy with, as it's unclear whether to charge back to the bank, customer, or agent.
## Banks push for transparency
Banks argue agentic tools need to make themselves known to retailers and payment integrations to address potential issues.
## Amazon blocks Meta's AI agent
Amazon blocked Meta's Muse AI assistant from shopping on its website, citing safety and privacy concerns.
## Key takeaway

Six major banks warn agentic AI tools could raise online shopping scams and disputes, urging transparency to protect customers.