From fake funeral livestream scams to AI voice cloning, scammers in 2025 are using frighteningly realistic tactics – and it’s costing Brits billions.
Experts at TelephoneSystems.Cloud have shared five of the latest scams exploiting new technology and the red flags that Brits should look out for.
67% of all reported scams in the UK are cyber-enabled, with criminals often taking advantage of technological advancements to target vulnerable people. *
Scams now range from fake QR codes on parking meters and fraudulent digital landline switchover requests, to shockingly brazen tactics like fake funeral livestreams designed to exploit grieving families and friends.
The explosion of AI in the past year has contributed to scams becoming more convincing, with criminals now using AI to produce highly believable phishing emails, deepfake videos, and voice impersonation.
The impact of falling victim to online scams is costly, with people in the UK losing £11.4 billion to scams in 2024 – up £4 billion from the previous year. **
Juliet Moran, Technical Director at TelephoneSystems.Cloud said: “Scammers are constantly adapting their tactics and the rise of AI has only made it easier for them to deceive more people. The scams we are seeing prey on grief, urgency, and trust, and are more sophisticated and manipulative than ever.
“But despite scams becoming more advanced, there are still warning signs, such as receiving an unexpected request for personal details, urgent messages, overly formal language, or anything that even feels slightly ‘off’, even if it does look professional.
“When something doesn’t feel right, just take a step back for a moment. Don’t click on any links, don’t rush, always use official websites and apps, and never give out sensitive information over the phone.
“Stay alert, be cautious, and double-check before you act. Doing that can be the difference between staying safe and avoiding a costly mistake.”
Scams to watch out for in 2025:
- AI-powered phishing and voice scams
Scammers are now using AI to make their tactics more convincing than ever. AI can generate highly realistic phishing emails, and even fake voices to impersonate trusted services, such as your bank. If you get a suspicious call from your ‘bank’, hang up and call the official number listed on their website or the back of your bank card. However, make sure you do this later, or from a different phone if you are using a traditional landline – as they can lock up your landline.
Other red flags include messages that create a false sense of urgency or ask for personal information. And while spelling mistakes may be disappearing, overly formal or robotic language could be a sign that something isn’t quite as it seems.
- Fake QR code parking scams
As more car parks move to digital payment via apps, scammers have taken advantage of this by placing fake QR codes on ticket machines that redirect people to fraudulent websites. The presence of QR codes on machines should raise suspicion – most legitimate operators don’t use them. If paying digitally, only use the official parking app by downloading them from Google Play or the App Stores on your phone.
- Funeral live stream scams
A disturbing trend has emerged where scammers target bereaved families and friends by posting fake funeral livestream links on social media, requesting donations or access payments. Genuine funeral services never ask for payment details – if you are ever unsure, check directly with the funeral provider or family.
- Parcel delivery fraud
This is the most common type of reported scam in the UK, with criminals sending out fake texts or emails posing as delivery companies. Victims are often asked to pay a small fee or reschedule a delivery via a malicious link. Red flags to look out for include generic tracking messages, unexpected fees, or email domains that don’t match the company’s official domain. Don’t click on suspicious links, instead, only track parcels through the delivery company’s official website or app. ***
- Digital phone switchover scams
With the UK moving from analogue to digital phone systems, fraudsters are exploiting confusion around the process. Scammers are contacting people pretending to be from phone providers, asking for payment or personal details to complete the switch. Any request for payment details is a major red flag. The switch is free. Your provider will contact you directly, and they will never ask for your bank details over the phone.
*https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threats/fraud-and-economic-crime
**https://www.cifas.org.uk/newsroom/gasa-stateofscamsuk2024
***https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/our-services/latest-scams/