The Rise of AI-Driven Scams and How to Avoid Them
As we see more scams utilising AI, such as deepfakes, voice cloning and brand impersonation, we explore some practical tips to protect your personal and financial information. Stay informed with expert insights and simple steps to keep your money safe in the digital age.
Duration: 3 Mins
Date: 24 Nov 2025
Since it launched in late 2022, ChatGPT (one of the leading AI tools) has grown its weekly user base to 800 million, which is over 10% of the global population[1]. In terms of technological adoption, this is a scale we have never seen before. When Facebook launched, it took 4 years and 6 months to reach 100 million users[2]. Instagram took 2 and a half years. Chat GPT reached that in just 2 months[2].
As useful as AI can be, its existence also brings risks with it. AI is also being harnessed by criminals, meaning that scams can be harder to spot. According to a recent study, 86% of British adults are worried about how AI and can be harnessed to scam people[3].
Understanding how AI is being used for increasingly complex cybercrimes is the first step in protecting yourself and your finances. Whilst the scams may be getting more sophisticated, the broad advice remains the same. It’s not about being an expert, it’s about being careful, taking the time to assess the risks and thinking before you click.
How is AI changing cybersecurity threats
Whilst you may be aware of many financial scams and staying safe online, AI is making them harder to spot. More bad actors now have access to sophisticated tools which can create realistic emails, create fake videos, mimic voices. With an image of a person and a recording of their voice, AI can be used to create videos of people saying things they have never said. These techniques are being used to impersonate trusted individuals or organisations, making it more difficult to know what’s genuine. In the first half of 2025, nearly £100m was lost to investment scams, many of which used AI to enhance the scams credibility[4]. And over half of UK consumers believe they have been targeted with a scam utilising AI[5].
Avoiding falling for these traps is not about having in depth technical knowledge of what AI is and how these scams work. Knowing some of the warning signs can give you the edge to help you stay safe online. The status quo on your end remains the same: remain vigilant, think before you click
What do the new AI scams look like
Here are some examples of scams currently affecting us in the UK:
- Deepfakes: You may have come across the term deepfakes, which means a seemingly legitimate audio or video. These can be used to create videos that might instruct a person to make a particular investment. Recently, UK police in Surrey released a video to raise awareness of deepfake videos and how realistic they can look. It showed a video if Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend providing some “investment advice”, before revealing that this had been created with A[6]. As AI becomes more advanced, deepfakes are expected to be increasingly used by bad actors as part of their toolbox, with Lisa Townsend stating “AI has made the scammers’ space into a fraudsters’ paradise”, and encouraging everyone to be vigilant and question what they read, watch and hear[6].
- Voice Cloning Scams: As with a video, criminals can now replicate a person’s voice using just a few seconds of audio. Victims may receive a call that sounds like a family member in distress, asking for money urgently. Nearly a third of UK adults believe they’ve been targeted by this type of scam[7]. Utilising a safe word with family and loved ones can be a useful way to help you stay safe. This should be unique and never shared outside of your trusted group. If you get a call from family asking for assistance and they can’t name the safe phrase, hang up immediately. If you are in any way suspicious, hang up and take the time to check if the call is genuine.
- Brand or Government department impersonation scams: Fraudsters have increasingly posed as well-known brands that we frequently interact with, and government departments such as HMRC or NHS, where a payment is demanded. The most common brand to be impersonated in the UK is Royal Mail and EVRI, where delivery fraud may be attempted (a person is altered to a fake upcoming delivery or cost associated with a fake package)[5].
Cybersecurity in a World of AI
While scams are becoming more sophisticated, the steps you can take to protect yourself remain practical:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager.
- Enable two-factor authentication where available. This adds an extra layer of security.
- Be cautious with links and attachments, especially if they come from unknown sources.
- Keep your devices and software up to date, as updates often include important security fixes.
- Avoid sharing personal information over the phone, especially if the call is unexpected.
- Pause before you click! One of the biggest factors in getting caught out by a scam is people being distracted or in a rush. Taking a second to think before you click on any link is a good way practice to instil in yourself.
These habits are especially important when accessing financial accounts or communicating with your adviser online.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by warnings about scams. But staying informed doesn’t mean living in fear. A few trusted sources, such as the Government’s Stop! Think Fraud website, and the National Cyber Security Centre, can help you stay aware of new threats.
If something doesn’t feel right, take a moment to pause and ask questions. Scammers often rely on urgency and confusion. Slowing down can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Our role
At Aberdeen Financial Planning, safeguarding your personal information is a top priority. We apply robust security measures to protect your data from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access. Our systems are aligned with industry standards and undergo regular audits and assessments by internal teams and independent experts. Our employees receive annual training on data protection and cyber security, and we continuously monitor and enhance our defences to stay ahead of emerging threats. Whether you’re accessing our services online or speaking with your financial planner, you can be confident that your information is protected with care and diligence.
AI will continue to shape the digital world, including how scams are carried out. But it will also play a role in improving fraud detection and cybersecurity. With the right habits and professional support, staying safe online can become part of everyday financial planning.
This article is designed to provide you with information only. It is not designed to provide you with financial advice. Please seek financial advice if you are still unsure about your options. There may be a charge for this. Remember, tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. And the value of investments can go down as well as up, and could be worth less than what was paid in. This information is based on our understanding in November 2025. Aberdeen is not responsible for the information, accuracy and views of external sources.
- Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/06/sam-altman-says-chatgpt-has-hit-800m-weekly-active-users/Opens in new window
- Source: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/threads-100-million-users/Opens in new window
- Source: https://www.natwestgroup.com/news-and-insights/news-room/press-releases/ai-and-data/2024/nov/fastest-growing-scams-of-2024-revealed.htmlOpens in new window
- Source: https://securitybrief.co.uk/story/ai-cybercrime-surges-as-uk-loses-gbp-100-million-to-new-scamsOpens in new window
- Source: https://newsroom.transunion.co.uk/over-half-of-uk-consumers-targeted-by-ai-generated-scams-with-royal-mail-most-impersonated-brand/Opens in new window
- Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy402zx0w53oOpens in new window
- Source: https://www.starlingbank.com/safe-phrases/Opens in new window
