Police warn of AI impersonation scams targeting money and personal data

Nicosia, Cyprus. Police warned on Monday that online fraud is becoming more sophisticated, with criminals using artificial intelligence to copy the appearance and voices of relatives, colleagues and other familiar people.

Interpol campaign highlights deepfake risks

The police warning forms part of an Interpol awareness campaign explaining how deepfakes can deceive people into sending money or revealing sensitive information.

Police explained that deepfakes involve images, video or audio created or modified artificially to give the impression that an actual person is saying or doing something. Even limited material found online can enable fraudsters to produce convincing impersonations, they cautioned.

Impersonators exploit trust and urgency

Police said fraudulent approaches could include an apparent colleague requesting an urgent bank transfer during a video call, a telephone call supposedly from a distressed relative, or someone known online asking for financial assistance.

Such deception can be difficult to identify because both the voice and the image may appear genuine, police warned. They advised people against relying on appearances, including when they seem to recognise the caller.

Police urged caution over unsolicited telephone calls, video conversations and messages asking for money, passwords or personal details.

Pressure and secrecy among warning signs

Police identified demands for immediate action, supposed emergencies, efforts to provoke fear and instructions to keep a request secret as warning signs.

They also advised treating requests with suspicion when the sender insists on an unusual way of paying or tries to prevent the recipient from checking with other people.