Criminals Use AI and Deepfakes to Escalate Identity Fraud in the UK

Thumbnail Image

The information displayed in the AIM should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries.

Fraud prevention body Cifas reports a surge in AI-enabled identity fraud, with criminals using deepfake images, videos, and audio for phishing scams and account takeovers. Over 374,000 fraud cases were reported in 2023, with identity theft accounting for nearly two-thirds, causing significant financial and personal harm to consumers.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

The article explicitly mentions the use of AI and deepfake technology by criminals to perpetrate identity fraud and social engineering scams, which have resulted in actual financial harm to victims. The AI systems are involved in the misuse and malicious use of AI-generated content and techniques to steal consumer details and commit fraud. This constitutes an AI Incident because the AI system's use has directly led to harm (financial loss and identity theft) to people and communities. The harm is realized and ongoing, not merely potential, and the AI role is pivotal in enabling sophisticated fraud methods.[AI generated]
AI principles
Privacy & data governanceRespect of human rightsRobustness & digital securitySafetyTransparency & explainabilityAccountabilityHuman wellbeing
Industries
Digital securityFinancial and insurance services
Affected stakeholders
Consumers
Harm types
Economic/PropertyPsychologicalReputationalHuman or fundamental rights
AI system task:
Content generation

Articles about this incident or hazard