AI-Powered Scams Are Surging: How to Protect Yourself
Trading standards officials warn AI is amplifying fraud through deepfake clones and counterfeit websites, raising consumer risk.
Artificial intelligence is giving scammers a powerful new toolkit, according to trading standards officers who say the technology is "super-charging" existing fraud schemes. From voice and video clones to convincingly fabricated websites, AI is lowering the barrier for criminals to deceive consumers at scale.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the sophistication of AI-generated impersonations, which can mimic the appearance or voice of trusted individuals and brands with alarming accuracy. These tools make it significantly harder for the average person to distinguish a legitimate communication from a fraudulent one.
Read more AI Is Supercharging Scams: How to Protect Yourself →
Fake websites represent another growing threat, with AI enabling the rapid creation of polished, credible-looking pages designed to harvest personal and financial information. Trading standards officials stress that even cautious internet users can be caught off guard by the quality of these deceptive platforms.
Consumer protection experts urge the public to verify the source of any unexpected communication independently, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and report suspected scams to relevant authorities. Awareness remains one of the most effective defenses as the technology continues to evolve.
Continue reading at BBC News
