Investment scams in the age of AI: how to stay protected

Investment scams are becoming more sophisticated, with fraudsters increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to make their schemes look genuine. From fake cryptocurrency opportunities to deepfake celebrity endorsements, these scams can appear credible at first glance.

At Quilter, we want to help you stay informed so you can protect your finances from these risks.

Why they can be hard to spot

Scammers rely on behaviours we all share, such as trust in technology and the desire to grow our money.

• Create realistic websites, reports, and marketing materials
• Build convincing fake identities and credentials
• Use deepfake technology to mimic trusted individuals
• Automate messages, making communication feel consistent and professional

These techniques can make an opportunity appear legitimate, even when it isn’t.

If an investment references Quilter

If you are contacted about an opportunity claiming to involve Quilter:

• Do not proceed or transfer any money
• using the details on our website
• Share any communications you have received so we can investigate

Quilter will never ask you to invest through unofficial channels or pressure you into making immediate decisions.

Recovery fraud – an additional risk

If you have lost money to a scam, you may be contacted again by fraudsters offering to help recover your funds.

These scams may involve:

• People posing as recovery specialists, legal firms or authorities
• Requests for upfront fees to release or recover money

Please remember:

• Recovery of funds is not guaranteed
• Unsolicited offers of help should be treated with caution
• You should never pay upfront fees for recovery services

If you are unsure, contact Quilter or your bank using trusted contact details.

How to protect yourself

• Only invest in opportunities you fully understand
• Check the firm is authorised on the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) FCA Register
• Be very cautious of guaranteed or unusually high returns
• Verify endorsements through official sources
• Be careful with unsolicited contact
• Take time to research before investing

What to do if you’re concerned

• Pause before acting – do not send money or share details if something feels wrong
• Talk to someone – a second opinion can help you spot risks
• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been targeted
• Report it – contact Report Fraud (0300 123 2040) or Police Scotland if relevant

Why this matters for your financial wellbeing

AI-driven scams may be more advanced, but the basics still apply. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Taking time to check and understand an investment can help protect your finances and support more confident decision-making.