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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.
What are AI-powered investment scams
AI-powered investment scams use advanced technology to create convincing but false opportunities. These scams often involve:
- Cryptocurrency or forex trading schemes
- ‘Guaranteed profit’ trading tools powered by AI
- Fake investment platforms with professional-looking dashboards
- AI-generated reports, documents or whitepapers
Fraudsters may also use manipulated video or audio to impersonate well-known investors or financial experts, falsely suggesting they support an opportunity.
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.
Red flags to watch for
- Promises of high or guaranteed returns
Always be cautious of anything that suggests this. Historically, investing over the long term has offered a better chance of maintaining or growing the real value of money. That said, the value of investments can go down as well as up, and you could get back less than you put in. - Endorsements from public figures
Videos or messages from well-known individuals, including celebrities and influencers, may be manipulated or entirely fake. - Pressure to act quickly
Scammers often create urgency to stop you taking time to check details. - Overly complex explanations
Technical language and jargon may be used to obscure how something works. - Unusual payment methods
Requests to transfer money via cryptocurrency, overseas accounts or unfamiliar platforms should raise concern.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, AI-powered scams can be harder to recognise because they often look more realistic and professional.
However, the same principles still apply. Taking time to pause, question what you’re seeing, and check details through trusted sources can help you avoid being caught out.
No investment should be trusted solely because it’s promoted by a well-known person.
Scams often use celebrities or influencers to build trust quickly. This can involve deepfake videos, manipulated content, or genuine endorsements taken out of context.
A familiar face does not make an investment legitimate. It’s important to check the details independently using official sources before making any decisions.
Fraudsters often target people more than once, especially if they know you have already been affected by a scam.
They may assume you are actively trying to recover losses, which makes follow-up approaches offering help feel more relevant and convincing. In some cases, details from the original scam may even be reused to make the offer seem legitimate.
This is why it’s important to be especially cautious after any loss. Taking time to pause and check any unexpected contact can help protect you from further harm.
Where to get help
If you’d like to learn more or need support, these organisations can help:
- Report Fraud: www.reportfraud.police.uk
- Victim Support: www.victimsupport.org.uk
- Get Safe Online: www.getsafeonline.org
If you’re ever unsure about a message, website or request involving money, it’s okay to pause and seek independent advice before taking action.
