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Scammers are getting smarter and using AI so here are the top threats to watch for in 2026 according to consumer champion, Which?: "Work-from-Home" Job Scams – You're promised easy money for simple tasks like liking social media posts, but these schemes eventually ask you to "invest" money you'll never see again. Some keep you working for months before the fraud hits.AI-Generated "Influencers" – Scammers are creating fake financial advisors using AI and deep fake videos. These fictional "experts" build trust on social media before promoting scams to their followers.Spear-Phishing Attacks – After data breaches at major retailers, fraudsters may now have your personal details. They're using this information to create highly convincing scam calls and messages, even tricking people into revealing one-time passcodes.Voice Cloning Scams – AI can now clone voices perfectly. Scammers may soon impersonate bank staff, government employees, or tech support using fake voices that sound completely real.Fake Age Verification Sites – As platforms implement age checks, scammers are creating fake verification sites to steal your personal data and dodgy VPNs to access your browsing history.Stay Safe: Never share passcodes over the phone, be sceptical of too-good-to-be-true job offers, and verify any requests for personal information directly with the company through official channels.Stay ahead of the scammers While scams evolve with the times, the methods for spotting and avoiding them often remain the same. Taking time to think before you act on any request for money or information is crucial in avoiding scams. You can also take these steps to protect yourself from scams: Verify all unsolicited messages and calls with the company that they’re claiming to be from before proceeding.Don’t enter any personal information into websites you’ve clicked on from emails and texts without first verifying that the message is legitimate.Always be suspicious of offers which seem too good to be true. If you're tempted to buy from an online retailer you have never heard of, always research them and check a few review platforms before you part with any money. Check the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to see if a firm is registered before making an investment and check the Solicitors Register to see if someone offering legal services is legit.Never pay your employer or put money into a system as instructed by them at any point in the employment process.Only trust age verification systems that you’re led to while on the platform that requires it.If you lose any money to a scam, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as Action Fraud) or call the police on 101 if you’re in Scotland.
Tim Tostevin Cyberhood Watch Ambassador (Surrey Neighbourhood Watch) | 
