‘Grinch bots’ threaten to steal Christmas by driving up cost of toys online
The bots use artificial intelligence software to make multiple orders in seconds leaving parents shopping for Christmas presents disadvantaged
TOYS are being 'stolen' by internet Grinch bots that gobble up stocks at retail prices and resell them for more than twice their worth on websites like eBay and Amazon.
Parents shopping for their children's Christmas presents have been left furious after finding the most popular gifts are sold out at major retailers across the UK and US.
Consumer watchdogs have blamed the automated bots for shortages of games consoles, dolls and soft toys as Christmas draws closer.
Charles Schumer, a New York senator, said: "Grinch bots cannot be allowed to steal Christmas. It's time we helped restore an even playing field by blocking the bots."
Products including Nintendo Classic Mini console, the LOL Surprise Doll and Fingerlings toy monkeys have appeared on the second hand sites after selling out at primary marketplaces.
Fingerlings have a listed prices of £14.99 but were being flogged on eBay for nearly £700.
The bots, designed to scoop up best selling gifts, have been dubbed Grinch Bots after the Dr Seuss character hell-bent on ruining Christmas.
Other sold out toys in Britain include Kevin and Katie carrot soft toys, modelled off Aldi's advert. Worth £3, they are no sold online for as much as £50, accord to The Times.
Hasbro's Toilet Trouble games is also in short supply, the paper reported.
"Wherever there's limited availability, there are people who'll cheat the system using bots," said Martyn James, of complaints website Resolver.
He added: "You can see it clearly when items sell out within seconds of going on sale - something that's not going to happen if you've only got real people filling out forms.
"It's most obvious with releases of limited-edition fashion items, collectables and toys, but it's more widespread."
The bots are powered by articifical intelligence software that can place mutliple orders at the same time.
The technically legal technology enters details of payment and delivery in seconds before regular shoppers have even loaded the page.
Coders are behind the bots and also use so-called scalper software to relentlessly check retail websites planning sales on hit toys.
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Omri Iluz, founder and CEO of web defence firm PerimeterX, highlighted the practice last month in a blog post.
He said: "Bots are also lightning fast, of course, able to complete multiple orders in a second.
“There is simply no competition between a bot and even the most organised human. The bot will poll the site hundreds of times per second, tirelessly waiting for the sale to start."
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