Language
Criminals often start off by appearing helpful, charming and friendly, but they quickly become persuasive, threatening, persistent, aggressive and intimidating to get what they want. Criminals now use AI tools to write messages and scripts in perfect, professional English.
Hot-State
Criminals will look to create a sense of urgency and worry, this is known as a hot state where your emotions are
high, you're easily influenced and you make decisions you may not usually make.
Impersonation
Criminals often impersonate legitimate utility workers either over the phone or in person at the victim's house in order to gain entry, or to sound trusted in order to coerce victims into paying money. Criminals can now use AI to sound like a real person over the phone, so can impersonate utility staff.
Preying on Vulnerability
There is a perfect storm of vulnerability at the moment – with an aging population, cost of living crisis and mental health epidemic, criminals are taking advantage of this. With the ever-growing depths of the internet, there is a scam out there for everyone.