Rising Threat of AI-Powered Phone Scams Targets Brits
Brits are being urgently warned to watch out for the signs of being scammed by artificial intelligence over the phone, as identifying these sophisticated frauds becomes increasingly difficult. AI scams are surging, with phone calls and text messages designed to steal money now generated by bots on an industrial scale. Many are indistinguishable from human-created communications, and scammers even steal legitimate voices to make their schemes more convincing, experts caution.
The 'Car Wash Test' and Other Expert Strategies
Experts have revealed specific questions you can ask during a phone call to check if the person on the other end is legitimate or an AI, including a clever method known as the "Car Wash test." Katrina Young, Digital Transformation Strategist at KYC Digital, explained how to detect an AI bot call. She stated: "AI-powered scams are no longer a fringe risk. The same technology that makes AI useful – voice synthesis, personalisation, real-time responsiveness – makes it an effective tool for fraud. The instinct most people follow is wrong. Asking 'are you AI?' does not work. A well-configured scam system will deny it."
Young recommends a better approach: a pattern interrupt. This involves saying something unexpected, pausing mid-sentence, or providing a false name or detail. Legitimate systems can handle such disruptions, while scam systems often fail. She emphasised: "The rules are simple but not obvious. Never confirm personal data on an inbound call or message, even when the caller already appears to know it. That’s the hook, not the proof. If something feels rehearsed or pressured, it probably is."
Practical Tips and Protective Tools
Ben Foster, CEO at Sheffield-based The SEO Works, advises trying the "Car Wash test," which has been proven to trip up AI. He said: "Always have a second way to check who you are talking to. If you get a worrying call or text, hang up and use a trusted number or a different app to reach that person or company directly. Never feel pressured to act quickly, as that is exactly what the scammer wants you to do."
To catch out a machine, Foster suggests moving away from normal conversation. He explained: "You could try the Car Wash test that has been proven to trip up AI. Ask 'I want to wash my car. The car wash is 50 metres away. Should I walk or drive?'. Most AI recommend walking due to the environmental benefits, which would leave the car at home." This test exploits AI's tendency to prioritise environmental factors over practicality, revealing its non-human nature.
Additionally, protective tools are available to assist. Software like Norton 360 can flag robo-calls, scan incoming messages, and identify phishing attempts before engagement, providing an extra layer of security. As AI scams evolve, staying vigilant and using these strategies is crucial to safeguarding personal information and finances from fraudulent schemes.
