AI-driven scam messages targeting UK consumers with brand impersonation
Scammers are using AI-generated messages to impersonate UK banks and delivery companies, reportedly causing widespread financial losses with consumers losing an average of £757.64 to bank impersonation scams. A TransUnion survey found that 70% of UK consumers have received such scam messages and 9% have lost money, with younger consumers appearing more vulnerable.
What happened
According to a TransUnion survey, 70% of UK consumers have received scam messages appearing to come from trusted sources such as delivery companies, banks or government bodies. More than half of those targeted (56%) believe the attempts used AI, such as fake voices or images.
The most impersonated brands are Royal Mail (40% of UK adults) and Evri (38%). Delivery fraud, where consumers are notified about fictitious or missed parcel deliveries, remains the most common tactic.
Reported impact
9% of UK consumers have lost money to scams impersonating brands. Consumers impersonated by fraudsters claiming to be from banks including Natwest, Lloyds, Nationwide and Santander lost an average of £757.64.
More than one in 10 of those scammed (11%) lost at least £1,000. Younger consumers aged 25 to 34 and 18 to 24 appear more vulnerable, with 13% and 11% respectively losing money to scams.
Index analysis
TransUnion chief executive Madhu Kejriwal stated that as fraudsters exploit artificial intelligence, scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder for consumers to spot due to their sheer volume, accuracy and tone. According to Chad Reimers, general manager of identity and fraud at TransUnion in the UK and Europe, once fraudsters have access to personal details or login credentials, they may look to take over accounts leading to further financial withdrawals or apply for additional credit lines.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.