Trading standards officers are warning the public that artificial intelligence is making existing scams more sophisticated, including through cloned content and fake websites designed to appear genuine.
The warning focuses on the way AI is being used to enhance established forms of fraud rather than describing a wholly new type of scam. Officers say the technology is “super-charging” scams, increasing the potential for deceptive material to look credible.
Clones and fraudulent websites are identified as key features of the threat. The supplied warning does not provide further details about the types of people or organisations being impersonated, nor does it specify particular scams, platforms or financial losses.
The message to the public is to remain cautious and not assume that online material is genuine simply because it appears convincing. The warning underlines the importance of taking care when encountering websites or other content that may have been created or altered using artificial intelligence.
Trading standards officers have issued the alert as part of advice on protecting people from AI-assisted scams. No further details about investigations, enforcement action or additional measures were provided.
