New Fraud Trends: AI Deepfakes, Phishing, and Evolving Scams

Fraud expert Pepijn Slappendel warns that criminals are now utilizing AI-generated voices, cloned images, and transitions to new payment systems like Wero to deceive victims. These scams leverage social engineering and manufactured urgency to steal financial credentials or lure users into non-existent investment platforms, according to Slappendel.

A 35-year-old woman from Udenhout recently lost control of her finances after believing she was paying a credit card bill. Instead, she provided her details to a fraudster who installed her digital debit card on his own phone, according to report details. This case highlights a shift toward technical exploits where criminals weaponize consumer ignorance of new banking tools.

How are criminals using AI to steal money?

Criminals are increasingly using AI technology to mimic voices and images to create hyper-realistic scams. Pepijn Slappendel notes that this trend is already visible across several European countries, where voice actors and AI models are used to trick victims into sending money.

The risk increases as people share more audio and video clips online. Slappendel warns that this allows for “realistic AI scenarios,” such as a fake video call or phone call from a child asking for emergency funds. Because people naturally trust what they see and hear, these AI-driven attacks are harder to detect.

What is the “Wero” scam and how does it work?

Fraudsters are currently exploiting the transition from iDEAL to Wero, a new payment method. According to Slappendel, many consumers do not yet understand the technicalities of this shift, creating a gap that criminals fill with disinformation.

Victims receive fake messages designed to confuse them about the new system. These messages pressure users to share personal data or transfer money under the guise of updating their payment settings or verifying their accounts.

Why is dating fraud shifting toward investment scams?

Dating fraud has evolved from simple emotional manipulation to sophisticated financial traps. Slappendel explains that while older scams relied on “sad stories” to solicit money, modern versions focus on wealth creation.

A common tactic involves the “Lamborghini” trope: a young, wealthy-looking individual claims to have found an exclusive investment platform that “beats crypto.” This lure leads victims to invest in platforms that do not exist. This shift blends romantic manipulation with the allure of high-return investments.

How do phishing sites use chatbots to increase trust?

Phishing websites are now integrating chatbots to engage victims in real-time. Slappendel states that this direct interaction creates a false sense of trust, as the victim believes they are speaking with a legitimate customer service representative.

The danger scales when fraudsters replace human operators with “fraudulent chatbots.” These AI systems can conduct hundreds of simultaneous conversations, allowing scams to operate on a massive scale without increasing the criminal’s manual workload.

Which age groups are most at risk for specific scams?

Fraudsters no longer target only the elderly; they now tailor their approach to specific age demographics. Slappendel observes that criminals track current trends to find the right “hook” for different generations.

• Youth: Targeted through “too good to be true” offers and viral trends. Slappendel cites the “Labubu-hype,” where scarce or trending products are used in fake ads to steal data or money.
• Adults/Seniors: More likely to be targeted by traditional phishing or the aforementioned transition-based scams (like Wero).

How can you spot a modern scam?

Despite the sophistication of AI and chatbots, Slappendel says one red flag remains constant: urgency. Fraudsters almost always convince victims that they must act immediately—whether to pay a bill or save a compromised account.

Slappendel advises that unexpected requests for large sums of money should immediately trigger alarm bells. For those seeking verification, the Fraudehelpdesk maintains an updated overview of active phishing campaigns and fake messages.

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