North Wales Police warn of rise in AI-powered scam messages targeting public
North Wales Police are warning residents to be on their guard after an increase in highly convincing phishing scams across the region.
Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create realistic-looking messages that appear to come from trusted organisations including banks, HMRC, the NHS and delivery companies.
Unlike older scam messages, the fake communications often use correct branding and contain no spelling mistakes, making them harder to spot.
North Wales Police say the scams take several forms, including fake text messages, fraudulent phone calls and malicious QR codes.
Phishing is responsible for more than 80 per cent of data breaches, according to North Wales Police.
The force is advising people to be cautious of unexpected messages asking for personal or financial information, not to click links or scan QR codes from unknown sources, and to verify any request by contacting the organisation directly using official contact details.
Residents are also urged never to share passwords or security codes.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted should report it at orlo.uk/Report_Fraud_YfAfJ.