AI & Deepfake Scams

AI and deepfake scams use generated voices, faces, and text to make fraud more convincing. They include cloned voices imitating a relative in distress, deepfake videos of celebrities or officials endorsing schemes, AI 'trading bots' promising guaranteed returns, and synthetic identities built to pass checks. The defence is the same as ever: slow down, verify through trusted channels, and treat urgency and too-good-to-be-true offers with caution.

Common red flags

  • A 'relative' in urgent trouble whose voice sounds slightly off
  • A celebrity or official video endorsing a money-making scheme
  • Pressure to act before you can verify
  • An AI bot or platform promising guaranteed returns
  • Requests for money, codes, or details based on a call or video alone

AI & Deepfake scam guides

High risk AI & Deepfake

Voice Cloning Emergency Scam

In this scam, AI clones a relative's or colleague's voice from a short audio clip, then calls claiming an emergency, such as an accident, arrest, or kidnapping, to pressure you into sending money urgently.
Medium risk AI & Deepfake

AI Companion Scam

In this scam, an AI companion or chatbot app builds an emotional 'relationship', then manipulates users into costly subscriptions, in-app purchases, or sharing personal data and intimate content.
High risk AI & Deepfake

AI Trading Bot Scam

In this scam, an 'AI trading bot' promises guaranteed, automated profits from crypto or forex, showing fake gains to attract deposits, then blocks withdrawals or disappears with your money.
High risk AI & Deepfake

Deepfake CEO Video Call Scam

In this scam, fraudsters use deepfake video or audio of a company executive on a call to authorise an urgent, confidential payment or transfer, bypassing an employee's normal checks.
High risk AI & Deepfake

Deepfake Celebrity Endorsement Scam

In this scam, AI-generated deepfake videos make celebrities or public figures appear to endorse crypto schemes, products, or giveaways, luring viewers to fake investment platforms or purchases that steal money.
Medium risk AI & Deepfake

Fake AI Chatbot App Scam

In this scam, fake AI chatbot or assistant apps imitate popular AI tools, then hide malware, harvest data, or trap users in expensive 'fleeceware' subscriptions after a short free trial, while delivering little real function.

Frequently asked questions

Can scammers really clone a voice?
Yes. With a short audio sample, AI can imitate someone's voice. If a 'relative' calls in urgent trouble, verify by calling them back on their known number and ask a question only they would know.
How do I spot a deepfake video?
Look for odd lighting, glitches, or lip-sync issues, and be sceptical of celebrities or officials endorsing money-making schemes. Always verify through official, verified channels.
Are AI trading bots legitimate?
Promises of guaranteed returns from an 'AI bot' are a hallmark of investment fraud. No bot can guarantee profits, and many are simply a front for a scam platform.

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Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.