National Trading Standards has warned that criminals are using AI voice cloning to set up unauthorized direct debits over the phone, primarily targeting older people. The sophisticated scam involves gathering personal details through fake "lifestyle survey" calls, then using AI-generated voice clones to simulate consent for financial transactions. The fraud represents what authorities call a "sinister new level" of phone-based crime, making it increasingly difficult for legitimate businesses and consumers to distinguish real interactions from fraudulent ones.
The scam operates in two stages. Fraudsters first contact victims with seemingly innocuous "lifestyle survey" phone calls to collect personal, health and financial details. They then deploy AI voice cloning technology to create convincing audio simulations that trick banks and other financial providers into processing fraudulent payments. Many victims remain unaware that payments are being taken from their accounts.
The scale of phone-based fraud has reached alarming levels. National Trading Standards blocked almost 21 million scam phone calls and shut down 2,000 numbers in a six-month period. UK adults now receive an average of seven scam calls or texts per month, with 21 percent receiving them most days and nine percent getting them every day.
Louise Baxter, head of the NTS scams team, described the threat in the warning: «What we're seeing is a deeply disturbing combination of old and new: traditional phone scams supported by disturbing new techniques.» She emphasized that criminals are using AI not just to deceive victims, but to trick legitimate systems into processing fraudulent payments. «This is no longer just a nuisance – it's a co-ordinated, sophisticated operation targeting some of the most situationally vulnerable consumers in society,» Baxter said.
Expert Warnings
John Herriman, chief executive at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, highlighted the rapid exploitation of emerging technologies. «This alarming new twist in phone-based fraud shows just how quickly criminals are exploiting emerging technologies to prey on the public,» he said. «Voice cloning takes scam calls to a sinister new level, making it even harder for legitimate businesses and consumers to distinguish real interactions from fraudulent ones.»
Herriman noted that Trading Standards teams across the UK are working to disrupt these operations but stressed the need for public vigilance.
How to Protect Yourself
Lisa Webb, Which? consumer law spokeswoman, advised treating all unexpected calls with suspicion. «You shouldn't have to worry about your own voice being used against you in this way but sadly we've reached a stage where every phone call must be treated with suspicion. If you get any calls out of the blue, don't be afraid to hang up, genuine callers won't mind,» she said.
Webb recommended immediate action if unauthorized transactions appear. «If you see any direct debits or transactions on your bank account that you don't recognise, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card. You should also report any scams to Police Scotland or Report Fraud to investigate.»
She also suggested registering with the Telephone Preference Service to opt out of unsolicited marketing calls. Baxter urged everyone to speak to friends and relatives about scam calls, check bank statements regularly and report anything suspicious.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
