“Compelling” AI fraud cases led to a record 444,000 fraud cases in the UK last year

Criminals are increasingly using AI technology to take over people’s mobile, banking and online shopping accounts, the UK’s top fraud agency has warned.

According to Cifas, the fraud prevention organization, a record number of scams were reported last year to the national fraud database, which is powered by AI and enables large-scale deceptions at an “industrialized” level.

According to the report, 444,000 fraud cases were reported by its members last year – a 6% increase from 2024. Criminals’ tactics are shifting towards account takeovers, where they take control using stolen data and carry out unauthorized transactions.

According to the Fraudscape report, most of the account takeover scams reported last year involved mobile phones, online purchases and personal credit cards.

Cifas CEO Mike Haley said the data shows fraud is becoming more sophisticated and organized, operating seamlessly across borders. Criminals often sell kits – “Fraud as…”