Picture this: you get a WhatsApp from your son. Or a call from your “bank”. Or a voice note from your partner. It sounds right. It uses the right words. And it’s urgent.
That’s the big change in 2026. AI hasn’t made scams “genius”, it’s just made them more believable and more frequent. This isn’t about living in fear. It’s about having a few basic rules that still work when you’re busy, tired, stressed, or a bit emotional.
Why good people get caught (even the sensible ones)
Scams don’t win by logic. They win by getting you to do one of these:
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act quickly
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keep it quiet
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use a new payment route
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“verify” using their method (their number, their link, their email)
If you remember nothing else from this post: urgency is the scammer’s best tool.
The two tactics that catch families most often
1) AI impersonation (fake “people you know” + fake “authorities”)
The usual suspects:
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“Hi Mum / Hi Dad” messages
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voice-cloned calls pretending to be a child/partner
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“bank fraud team” calls that push you to move money
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“solicitor” emails changing bank details during a house move
The script is always the same: “This is time-sensitive. Don’t tell anyone. Just do this.”
Finfluencers (investment content that feels like advice)
Some creators are harmless. Some are reckless. Some are outright pushing illegal promotions. The FCA has been taking enforcement action in this area and has publicly warned about unlawful promotions by “finfluencers”. The common pattern:
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big claims with thin evidence
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screenshots of profits (easy to fake)
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“DM me for the link”
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“this isn’t financial advice” as a fig leaf
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a course/subscription/referral link sitting behind the content
Even when it’s not a scam, it can still be expensive because it trains people to chase excitement, take concentrated bets, and ignore risk.
The 60-minute family plan (do this once, and you’ll feel the difference)
Step 1 (10 minutes): Agree on a “money safe phrase”
Pick a phrase only your household knows. Not written down or stored online. One you all remember.
Rule: Any request involving money needs the safe phrase. No phrase = no action. You hang up / stop replying and verify properly. Banks have been actively promoting “safe phrase” ideas for AI voice-cloning risk.
Step 2 (10 minutes): Put in a “two-channel verification” rule
This is the one that prevents most losses. If someone asks you to move money, share a code, or “confirm details”:
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Stop the conversation.
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Verify using a trusted route (saved contact, official website number, in-app chat).
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Never use the number or link they just sent you.
Yes, it can feel awkward. That’s fine. Your job is to stay safe, not to be polite.
Step 3 (10 minutes): Decide your household red flags
Write these down and stick them somewhere obvious:
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“Don’t tell anyone”
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“You must do this today / right now”
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“We’ve changed bank details”
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“Move it to a safe account”
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“Read out the code we’ve just texted you”
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“Guaranteed returns / risk-free”
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“DM me / private link / exclusive access”
If you see even one of these, you slow down.
Step 4 (15 minutes): Add a finfluencer filter (a quick way to spot rubbish)
Before acting on anything you’ve seen online, ask:
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What’s the edge supposed to be? If it’s so easy and repeatable, why is it being given away on TikTok?
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What are they actually selling? Course, subscription, “signals”, referral links, broker partnerships, the investment is often just the marketing.
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Can you verify who they are? If someone claims they’re authorised or tied to a regulated firm, check the FCA Register and treat lookalike names/sites as a red flag.
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What happens when it goes wrong? If you can’t clearly explain where the money is held, who the custodian is, what protections apply, and what the complaints route is; it’s not a plan. It’s a punt.
Step 5 (15 minutes): Set a cooling-off rule (this saves people)
Make it non-negotiable:
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No new investment decision within 48 hours of first seeing it online.
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If it still looks good after 48 hours, you do proper due diligence (or you speak to a regulated adviser).
Scams hate time. Bad investments do too.
If you think you’re being scammed (what to do immediately)
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Stop. Don’t transfer. Don’t share codes.
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Call your bank using a trusted method (not the inbound caller).
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In the UK, 159 is widely promoted as a way to contact your bank safely if you think you’re dealing with a scam.
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If you’ve already paid, still act fast, as speed helps any chance of recovery.
You don’t need to become a fraud expert. You just need a few rules you’ll actually follow when life is hectic.
If you need advice, we’re here to help. Schedule a free, no-obligation chat here. A guide on selecting a financial advisor is also available here.
This article is general information, not personal advice.
