If no one comes to the rescue, an online army of “Grinch bots” may end up spoiling Christmas for many kids by using automated software to scoop up prized toys and other sought-after items for big profit
Snatching popular toys and sneakers
The bots—yes, the same kinds of automated programs that spread political propaganda and manipulate opinion on social media—can use superfast technology to snatch up popular electronics, toys and sneakers when they are discounted, and then resell them with a huge markup, says AFP
‘Scalpers’ are ready
The techniques have drawn the attention of security researchers, consumer advocates and US senator Charles Schumer. Schumer said a Super Nintendo entertainment system which was sold at $80 by major retailers was out of stock online but available from resellers on Amazon and eBay for as much as $13,000. The bots have come into the limelight after researchers discovered “scalpers”—dark web professionals—commanding armies of bots to snap up popular toys even before they are meant to be available for purchase
Twitter shortcuts
Software also “scrapes” retail websites for information about what bargains will be offered on pages not yet made public. Some scalpers were said to subscribe to a Twitter interface that provides a few seconds’ jump on tweeted announcements of bargains