AI scam calls are set to surge in 2026 – here’s how to protect your family

Mobile provider O2 says it now blocks over 50 million dodgy calls a month, but the threat is still growing – especially for older people who are more likely to trust a voice on the other end of the phone.

Naveed Janmohamed, CEO and Founder of the AI research assistant Anara, says the public needs to learn how to spot these calls before they fall victim.

The technology behind these scams has developed very quickly. Today's AI needs just seconds of your voice to create convincing clones, letting criminals pose as your bank or tax office without setting off alarm bells.

Why this matters for families

Scammers are no longer just impersonating officials – in some cases, they’re mimicking the voices of family members too. With AI, it only takes a short voice clip – even one taken from social media or a voicemail – for fraudsters to create realistic audio that sounds just like you or your child.

This has led to a worrying rise in scam calls where grandparents or older relatives are tricked into thinking a loved one is in trouble or urgently needs money.

The aim is to get hold of personal details, bank information, or straight-up cash – and they’re using pressure tactics to make victims act fast.

These AI fraudsters typically claim they've spotted suspicious transactions on your accounts or that you're entitled to a refund, but it's all a ploy to steal your personal information.

The 3 warning signs of a fake AI voice call

So how do you tell if a call is real or fake – especially when it sounds like someone you trust? Janmohamed shared three red flags to watch for:

• Awkward pauses – especially after you ask a question. AI can lag before replying.
• Weird background noise – like sudden silence or dodgy static that comes and goes.
• Strange reactions to unexpected questions – scammers may stall or give vague answers if you ask something off-script.

If anything feels off, hang up immediately and don’t give away any personal information.

How big is the problem?

It’s bigger than you might think. According to National Trading Standards, 73% of UK adults were targeted by scam calls last year. An estimated 19 million Brits have lost money.

Even worse, most of these crimes go unreported. Only one in three victims ever tells authorities, often because they feel embarrassed or think nothing will come of it. But silence helps scammers stay under the radar.

If something sounds off about a call discussing your money or asking for personal details, it almost certainly is,” warns Janmohamed. “Hang up immediately.

What you can do right now

As a family, especially if you’ve got older parents or grandparents who use a landline, it’s worth having a quick chat about scam calls – especially as we head into a new year.

Here’s how to help protect loved ones:

• Tell them never to give out personal details to someone who called them first – even if they claim to be from the bank, HMRC or the police.
• Encourage them to hang up and call back using the number on their bank card or the official website.
• Warn them about high-pressure tactics – scammers will try to rush them into action, insisting something is urgent or secret.
• Remind them it’s OK to be suspicious – even if the caller sounds like a loved one.

And if a scam does happen, report it to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.

Prevention remains the best protection against these criminals,” says Janmohamed. “Taking extra precautions when something feels wrong can save you from becoming another victim.

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