French television network TF1info has warned shoppers to be wary of a wave of Halloween and Christmas advertisements circulating on social media, saying many of the products shown bear little resemblance to what actually arrives at customers' doors.
The broadcaster's report noted that some shops have already begun stocking Halloween items, and even Christmas merchandise, despite the early date. At the same time, social media platforms have been flooded with adverts that look increasingly appealing, from Halloween decorations to Christmas light projectors.
According to TF1info, these videos are heavily enhanced using artificial intelligence to make the products look more impressive than they really are. The report said such clips can rack up thousands of views online, drawing in shoppers who order based on the polished footage.
Products fail to match the promise
TF1info said that once customers receive their orders, the items are often far removed from what was advertised and have little in common with the original promise made in the video. The report did not specify particular retailers or brands, but framed the issue as a broader pattern of AI-embellished marketing ahead of the two holiday seasons.
Part of a wider consumer segment
The item aired as part of TF1info's regular consumer affairs coverage, which regularly examines shopping trends, pricing and consumer protection issues facing French households. The segment was produced by TF1info's video editorial team and broadcast during the channel's weekend evening news bulletin, the JT 20h WE.
Artificial intelligence tools have increasingly been used in online advertising to generate polished visuals of products, a practice that consumer advocates in several countries have flagged as a growing source of complaints when the delivered goods do not match the footage shown to buyers.
TF1info's report did not give figures for how many complaints have been logged over misleading Halloween or Christmas product ads, nor did it name specific platforms hosting the videos. The broadcaster's overall message was a general caution for shoppers to scrutinize seasonal advertising closely before ordering online as the Halloween and Christmas shopping periods approach.
