As AI gets more convincing, so do the scams that use them. Recently, an AI-generated video of a geode mug went viral on TikTok, but the real deal was a huge disappointment.
The Origin of the TikTok Geode Mug
The story begins in September 2024, when adverts began appearing on social media websites for a geode mug. One example was the TikTok account @inspiringdesignsnet, which showed off some amazing-looking geode mugs. At first glance, they look like a real winner; they appear to be mugs carved out of an actual geode and maintaining the original rock’s look and feel.
However, keen-eyed viewers will spot some strange anomalies in the above video. Sometimes, the steam coming from the hot drink will emanate from the cup handle or its sides. Sometimes, the steam will billow out; sometimes, it’s a mere trickle. Some clips show the steam moving quickly, while others have it look static or in slow-mo. Some of the mugs even display visual flaws as they rotate.
While it was never outright confirmed, there’s strong evidence that the video clips were not of real products. Instead, these clips were AI-generated, showing off a product that didn’t physically exist. Still, that didn’t stop people from handing over their money to score one of these illustrious mugs.
People Receive the Geode Mug, and the End Result Was Not Pretty
When the mugs began to arrive in people’s homes in December, the jig was finally up. It turns out that the advertisements looked nothing like what was advertised, and people took to TikTok to warn others about their purchases.
For one, the geode mugs looked nothing like their advertised glory. Instead of keeping their authentic-looking designs, they arrived with cheaply made details made out of plastic. Instead of drinking out of the mug itself, each one had a metal insert to store the hot liquids.
Fortunately, TikTokers, being TikTokers, found a way to turn their misfortune into content. And while the mugs look okay by themselves, they’re nothing like what was advertised.
How to Stay Safe From AI-Generated Scams
It’s very easy to see people fall for these scams and scoff at them. How could people fall for such an obviously AI-generated video? Unfortunately, while it’s pretty obvious now, these scams will only get more believable as time passes.
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Even if your internal AI detector is pretty good, it’s worth keeping the following in mind:
- If an advertisement looks “too good to be true,” it usually is. Scammers always make their advertisements as stunning as possible to attract buyers. This includes offering an unrealistically amazing product for a very low price. People were scoring these mugs for around $20, which is far less than what a real geode mug would go for.
- Take everything with a pinch of salt, no matter how eagle-eyed you are. The problem with believing that you’re an expert at finding AI-generated images and videos is that, when you are finally fooled by AI, you are more convinced that it’s actually real. Even if nothing about a video or image screams “AI,” always remember that there’s a chance that it is still AI-generated.
- Try not to get caught up in hype. Because the scammers launched their campaign just before December, they could target a popular shopping holiday to make their ads go viral. The videos and ads claimed that the mugs would make a perfect Christmas gift, and some people even got them as presents under the tree. Be cautious if an ad tries to push you to buy something ASAP or if it goes viral; it may be a scam trying to cash out as quickly as possible.
Even if you never buy products you see on social media, you can still be attacked by AI-powered scams. For example, there are AI phishing attacks and video call scams that can catch people off-guard. Always keep an eye out for AI scams, no matter which walk of life you take.
