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A message from the Police and Crime Commissioner... Keeping Safe Online in the Age of AI: How We Can All Protect Ourselves from Fraud |
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Fraud is no longer something that happens to “other people”. It is now the most common crime affecting our communities, and it is growing rapidly — fuelled by new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Recently, I attended a regional meeting with colleagues and board members from the North East Cyber Resilience Forum where we heard how criminals are increasingly using AI to make their scams more convincing, more targeted, and harder to spot.
Today’s fraudsters can clone voices, fake images, impersonate trusted organisations and personalise messages using information shared online. These are not crude cons, these criminals are sophisticated, and they are relentless in their efforts to exploit trust, fear, and emotion in order to steel money from their unsuspecting victims.
While fraud often happens online, its impact is deeply personal. People can lose savings built up over a lifetime. Confidence and peace of mind are shattered. Many victims feel embarrassed or blame themselves, which stops them coming forward. The truth is that anyone can be targeted, regardless of age or digital confidence.
One of the most damaging forms of fraud is romance fraud. These scams can unfold over weeks or months, with criminals building emotional relationships before asking for money. The financial losses are devastating, but the emotional harm — loneliness, shame, and distress — can be just as severe. Fraud is not a victimless crime.
Preventing fraud and supporting victims are central priorities in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan for County Durham and Darlington. No one should feel embarrassed or blamed for being targeted by criminals. Anyone can be a victim. What matters is awareness, prevention and knowing where to turn for help. But policing alone cannot solve this problem. Keeping safe online is everyone’s responsibility, and there are simple steps we can all take to reduce risk.
First, slow things down. Fraudsters create urgency — messages telling you to “act now”, claiming an account is compromised or demanding secrecy. If something makes you feel rushed or pressured, pause. Legitimate organisations will not behave this way.
Second, be cautious with online relationships. Warning signs include reluctance to meet in person, intense emotions very early on, or requests for money linked to emergencies, investments, or travel. If money enters the conversation, it may be a scam.
Third, protect your personal information. Check privacy settings on social media and avoid oversharing details about your work, routines, or travel. Criminals use this information to make scams feel real.
Fourth, verify independently. If you receive a message claiming to be from your bank, the police, a delivery company or even a loved one, do not respond directly. Use trusted contact details you find yourself, not those provided in the message.
Finally, strengthen your digital security. Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, keep devices updated and install up-to-date anti-virus software. When shopping online, use secure payment services such as Verified by Visa or Mastercard SecureCode.
Reporting fraud is also crucial. Fraud thrives on silence. Reporting helps protect others and strengthens the response against organised criminals.
Support is available from the following sites or click on QR codes for more information: Action Fraud – report fraud and cyber crime National Cyber Security Centre – trusted online safety advice Romance fraud guidance I also strongly encourage residents to sign up to Keep in the Know, a free local alert service providing regular updates from the police, including warnings about fraud and scams – by working together we can make the communities of County Durham and Darlington safer, stronger, and more resilient to crime.
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