Trading standards officers are warning that artificial intelligence is "supercharging" existing scams through clones and fake websites. Consumers are urged to be cautious when choosing where to shop, as criminals are using AI to enhance fraud, National Trading Standards said in a statement.
Some scams involve websites of fake traders posing as family-run businesses selling high-quality products made in the UK. Photos on these fake sites may show a British high street with Union Jack flags in the frame. If you order from such fake traders, the product will most likely never arrive or will be a cheap, mass-produced item from a country such as China, trading standards officers said.
According to National Trading Standards, AI-generated images, voice cloning and deepfake videos are increasingly being used to trick people out of their money. The body has for the first time compiled an AI scam watchlist highlighting some of the tools and techniques criminals are using. Tricks include cloned or new websites that look polished and professional in a short time and at a low cost.
Among the tricks are romance scams in which AI is used to remember victims' personal details and maintain conversations for weeks or months. There are also AI-generated deepfake videos and audio with cloned voices used to impersonate family members or close friends who are in an "emergency" and asking for money. Scams also include flawless, personalised phishing emails, text messages and social media posts that AI can generate on a massive scale.
Consumer group Which? notes that typos or grammatical errors can no longer be relied upon as a way to recognise scams. Some of the old techniques for avoiding fraud may now be less effective due to the advantages AI provides.
Ways to protect yourself include never sending money, gift cards or personal or financial details to someone you have not met in person. You should also research, for example, check if a shop's address is real, use the Financial Conduct Authority's Firm Checker to determine if a company is authorised to give financial advice, and contact the business directly to verify if a job advert is genuine. Do not assume someone is real just because you have heard their voice or seen them on a video call.
Generally, before paying, sharing personal data or taking any action, stop and think. You should be particularly wary of pressure or urgency, as criminals want you to act before you have time to think. Scams can be reported to the Report Fraud service or by calling 0300 1232040, and for advice you can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
