Police forces in the United Kingdom are alerting the public to a surge in online fraud cases, warning that criminals are now exploiting artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to impersonate relatives, friends, and even public figures. The warning, issued by West Mercia Police, stresses upon how technology is being used to deceive people into sharing sensitive information or transferring money.
According to the force’s Economic Crime Unit, criminals are constantly developing new strategies to exploit internet users. With the rapid evolution of AI, scams are becoming more convincing and harder to detect. To help people stay informed, officers have shared a list of common fraud-related terms and explained how each method works.
One of the most alarming developments is the use of AI-generated deepfakes, realistic videos or voice clips that make it appear as if a known person is speaking. These are often used in romance scams, investment frauds, or emotional blackmail schemes to gain a victim’s trust before asking for money.
Another growing threat is keylogging, where fraudsters trick victims into downloading malicious software that secretly records every keystroke. This allows criminals to steal passwords, banking details, and other private information. The software is often installed through fake links or phishing emails that look legitimate.
Account takeover, or ATO, remains one of the most common types of identity theft. Once scammers access an individual’s online account, they can change login credentials, reset security settings, and impersonate the victim to access bank or credit card information.
Police also warned about SIM swapping, a method in which criminals gather personal details from social media or scam calls and use them to convince mobile providers to transfer a victim’s number to a new SIM card. This gives the fraudster control over the victim’s messages and verification codes, making it easier to access online accounts.
Other scams include courier fraud, where offenders pose as police officers or bank representatives and instruct victims to withdraw money or purchase expensive goods. A “courier” then collects the items directly from the victim’s home. In many cases, scammers even ask for bank cards and PIN numbers.
The force’s notice also included reminders about malware and ransomware, malicious programs that can steal or lock files. Criminals may also encourage victims to install legitimate-looking remote access tools such as AnyDesk, allowing them full control of a victim’s device.
Additionally, spoofing — the act of disguising phone numbers, email addresses, or website links to appear genuine, continues to deceive users. Fraudsters often combine spoofing with AI to make fake communication appear even more authentic.
Police advise the public to remain vigilant, verify any unusual requests, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Anyone seeking more information or help can visit trusted resources such as Action Fraud or Get Safe Online, which provide updates on current scams and guidance on reporting cybercrime.
