Ai Voice Cloning Scams Surge: A 2026 Crisis Looms

February: A Peak Period for Scammers

UK mobile users are on high alert as AI-driven scams, specifically voice-cloning fraud, become more prevalent. Scammers are leveraging this technology to mimic voices of loved ones or trusted contacts, making it difficult for victims to detect fraud.

Data from Uswitch, a comparison site, highlights the widespread nature of these calls across the UK, with millions of spam-related inquiries. Alarmingly, experts suggest that 2026 could see a dramatic increase in deepfake phone fraud unless consumer awareness improves.

Why February is Risky

Mobile specialists at Uswitch caution that February poses extra risks for fraud. It’s a time when many are upgrading phones or setting up new numbers, providing an opportunity for scammers to strike.

“When people are setting up new devices and accounts, they’re often more distracted and less cautious,” experts say. “That makes them an easier target.”

London leads in nuisance calls with 217.6 million lookups, followed by Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Leeds. Calls from London are nearly twice as likely to be from unknown numbers compared to other major cities.

Dominant Scam Categories

Analysis shows adult content remains the biggest nuisance, comprising 13.9% of spam calls, followed by energy-saving, recruitment, banking, and telecoms scams.

Financial scams, particularly involving cryptocurrencies, are also on the rise, with voice-cloning fraud becoming a significant threat. Archie Burkinshaw, a mobiles expert at Uswitch, warns that AI makes it increasingly easy for scammers to impersonate trusted voices.

Guarding Against Scam Calls

Experts offer several strategies to avoid falling victim to scams:

Verify unusual calls: If someone requests money, hang up and call them back using a known number.
Enable two-step verification: This adds a security layer, even if your password is compromised.
Avoid unknown links: Never click unsolicited links; instead, visit official sites directly.
Use call-blocking tools: Utilize smartphone spam filters or apps like Truecaller and Hiya.
Report and block spam: Report nuisances to the Information Commissioner’s Office and forward spam texts to 7726.
Register with the 'Do Not Call' list: This reduces marketing calls, though it doesn't block all scam activity.

With evolving AI, scam calls are becoming more convincing. Archie Burkinshaw advises, “Fraudsters are getting smarter. Being cautious, verifying requests, and using built-in protections can dramatically reduce your risk.”

Consumers are urged to greet unexpected calls with skepticism, especially when they involve money, personal information, or urgent requests.