Beware: AI Voice Scams on WhatsApp Cost UK Parents Nearly £500K in 2025

Rising AI-Powered WhatsApp Scams Target UK Families

In 2025 alone, UK families have lost nearly half a million pounds to a new wave of AI-driven scams on WhatsApp. These scams prey on parents by impersonating their children using highly convincing AI-generated voice messages.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters send messages from unknown numbers pretending to be a child who has lost their phone and is locked out of their bank account. They follow up with voice notes mimicking the child's voice, requesting urgent money transfers to new accounts.

The Technology Behind the Deception

Scammers extract voice clips and personal information from social media platforms, then use generative AI tools to clone the voice and create believable messages. Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, explains that cloning any voice now takes only moments, making these scams increasingly sophisticated.

Impact and Statistics

• 506 WhatsApp scams reported since January 2025
• Total losses of £490,606 ($651,230)
• April 2025 alone saw 135 cases resulting in £127,417 lost

Who Is Most Vulnerable?

• Parents with children active on social media
• Elderly individuals unfamiliar with AI technology
• Anyone receiving messages from unknown numbers

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

• Always verify requests by calling back saved contact numbers
• Establish family code words to confirm genuine emergencies
• Avoid sending money to new accounts without direct confirmation
• Report suspicious activities to the UK scam reporting line 7726
• Contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraud

The Ongoing Threat

Despite WhatsApp's encryption, scammers can still message users if they have their phone number. Chris Ainsley, head of fraud at Santander, warns that these scams evolve rapidly. If you receive unexpected calls or messages from your child on unfamiliar numbers, confirm their identity using known contact details before taking action.