Online Fraud in the UK: New Tactics and How to Stay Safe

What’s Changed in 2025?

Cybercriminals have evolved beyond the classic "Nigerian prince" scams. In 2025, we’re seeing:

• AI-powered deepfake voice calls claiming to be from your bank or even a loved one.
• Cloned websites and fake apps that look identical to real government portals.
• WhatsApp impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as children or relatives needing urgent help.

Who’s Being Targeted?

While anyone can be a victim, fraudsters often go after:

• Elderly individuals less familiar with digital tools.
• Young professionals managing finances online or using cryptocurrency apps.
• Small businesses with limited cybersecurity training or protection.

Common Tactics to Watch Out For

Scammers are creative, but there are patterns. Watch for:

• Urgency and fear tactics — “Your account will be locked unless…”
• Requests to move money — A bank will never ask you to do this.
• Unusual payment methods — Like gift cards or crypto transfers.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are some simple steps to boost your digital safety:

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts.
• Double-check email addresses and URLs for subtle misspellings.
• Never give out personal info or passwords over phone or email.
• Use a reputable antivirus and browser extension for scam protection.

Government and Bank Efforts

The UK government has introduced tighter regulations on online platforms and new reporting tools for victims. Major banks are also ramping up fraud detection, but much still falls on individuals staying alert.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you think you've been targeted:

• Contact your bank immediately to freeze or recover funds.
• Report it to Action Fraud.
• Change your passwords and monitor for identity theft signs.

Stay informed, stay sceptical, and remember — if something feels off, it probably is.