HOW DEEPFAKE SCAMS CHANGED THE FACE OF CRIME

Whether it's a personal endorsement, a message from a screen idol or even a heart-wrenching cry for help, thousands have fallen victim to the disturbing rise of celebrity AI cons. Experts reveal the cruel tactics of fraudsters and how to stay safe online

- Katie Elliott

YOU could be forgiven for assuming the forlorn figures handing over cash behind a seedy Oxford Street souvenir shop were just part of London's typical criminal economy - the cash perhaps the proceeds of drugs, prostitution or both.

In reality, the money being turned over was coming from innocent victims of the latest devious romance scam, in which vulnerable people are tricked into thinking they are in a relationship with a celebrity.

In an age where technology is blurring the lines between reality and illusion, these sophisticated deceptions use Al-generated videos and audio to precisely impersonate beloved celebrities, with the scammers able to control exactly what they say and do in their video communications with victims which could be begging for funds from a hospital bed, or perhaps recommending a fraudulent get-rich-quick scheme.

Worryingly, they became the most reported scams in 2024, according to the Advertising Standards Agency.

The latest instance, exposed by London's Proactive Economic Crime Team, led to two arrests last week after victims allegedly handed over £200,000, which they were told would be sent to a famous person. While the investigation is ongoing, detectives revealed that one individual was allegedly duped into handing over an incredible £60,000.

The consequences of such crimes are severe victims are financially crippled, while their reputations and lives are ruined.

Simon Horswell, a fraud specialist manager at identity security provider Entrust, says the rise of deepfake technology's use by con artists is alarming.

According to the company's latest report, a deepfake attempt occurs every five minutes. Horswell says: "We've seen time and again, bad actors will use them to improve the perceived legitimacy of their scams."