The threat is AI-enhanced social engineering via messaging, where attackers use deepfakes and synthetic voices to impersonate trusted contacts or brands, convincing victims to transfer money or share sensitive data within minutes. The attack vector involves initiating contact on one platform and often migrating the conversation across multiple communication channels to increase legitimacy. No technical patch exists; mitigation relies on user education combined with technical safeguards like antivirus software and password managers.
AI/ML AI fuels faster, more convincing messaging scams, report finds June 22, 2026 Share By SC Staff Messaging scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated as criminals use AI to imitate trusted people, familiar brands, and everyday conversations. New research by Kaspersky suggests these schemes are succeeding with alarming speed, often convincing victims to hand over money within minutes, according to a recent report by Tech Radar. Nearly two-thirds of scam victims globally, or 64.5%, believe AI tools played a role in the fraud attempts. In the UK, 54% of respondents suspected criminals used deepfakes or synthetic voices to impersonate relatives, friends, or legitimate organizations. More than 1 in 10 victims completed payments or shared sensitive information within five minutes of initial contact, demonstrating how rapidly these operations unfold. Researchers also found 63% of incidents moved across multiple communication platforms. The most common scams involved investment opportunities (40%), followed by fake delivery alerts (38%) and brand impersonation schemes (35%). Victims in the UK lose an average of £458.45 per scam, with millennials being particularly vulnerable to investment-related fraud. Security specialists recommend combining caution with technical safeguards, including antivirus software and password managers, to combat these evolving tactics. Source: Tech Radar An In-Depth Guide to AI Get essential knowledge and practical strategies to use AI to better your security program. Learn More SC Staff Related AI/ML Signal president warns about AI chatbot privacy risks SC Staff June 22, 2026 Per TechCrunch, Signal President Meredith Whittaker has voiced significant concerns regarding the privacy implications of widely used AI chatbots, emphasizing that these tools should not be perceived as sentient or trustworthy entities. AI/ML Agentjacking attack exploits AI coding tools with fake error reports SC Staff June 18, 2026 The Agentjacking attack bypasses the need for stolen credentials or direct network access. AI/ML BlackFog launches AI detection for macOS SC Staff June 18, 2026 The new ADX Vision for macOS targets the increasing use of unsanctioned generative AI tools within organizations. Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe You can skip this ad in 5 seconds