5 scams to look out for in the New Year

Stay ahead of fraudsters in 2026

Every year, criminals find new ways to trick their victims, and 2025 was no exception. In the UK alone, fraudsters stole over £629 million in just the first six months of 2025. Over 2 million confirmed cases of fraud were reported, marking a staggering 17% increase year-on-year.

As we step into 2026, the New Year won’t just bring fresh resolutions, it’s likely to bring smarter, more targeted scams too.

To help you stay ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the worst fraud threats to watch out for in 2026 and shared our recommendations on how you can protect yourself.

1. Voice-cloning scams

As fraudsters have become smarter with technology, the occurrence of voice-cloning scams has risen. Fraudsters can now copy someone’s voice, sometimes from just a short clip, and use it to make convincing phone calls. It might sound like a colleague or family member asking you for help, but it’s really a scam.

AI tools are easy to access, and voice cloning only needs a few seconds of audio. In 2024, 26% of UK consumers reported encountering a deepfake voice scam, and over 30% of those targeted became a victim.

Tips to stay safe:

• Don’t rely on voice recognition alone to identify someone. If you receive an unexpected request, always contact the person directly using a known, trusted phone number, not the one provided in the call.

2. Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud

This fraud works by getting you to send money to someone. Scammers create a sense of urgency or pretend to be someone you trust so you feel pressured to act quickly.

In 2024, APP fraud losses in the UK totalled over £450 million across 186,000 cases. Investment scams were the costliest, accounting for £144 million, while purchase scams made up 71% of cases but only 19% of losses.

Tips to stay safe:

• Always take your time and carefully verify any payment requests, especially if it’s unexpected or urgent. If you’re unsure, end the exchange and get in touch with your provider through a trusted contact number.

3. Parcel delivery scams

You have most likely already had those ‘missed delivery’ texts. This scam involves fake messages about parcels to trick you into giving away personal details or making payments.

Online shopping is everywhere, and scammers know it. In 2024, fake parcel delivery texts were the fastest-growing scam in the UK, with 40% of adults targeted. Criminals stole £570 million in the first half of 2024 through scams, many linked to delivery and marketplace fraud.

Tips to stay safe:

• Don’t click on unexpected delivery messages, especially when they prompt you for personal details or payment for ‘re-delivery’. Instead, track parcels through official retailer or courier websites.

4. Investment fraud and fake ads

Fraudsters are using slick adverts and social media posts to promote fake investments. These are often linked to cryptocurrency or ‘too good to miss’ schemes. These scams often use fake influencer endorsements or professional-looking websites to appear legitimate, when in fact, they’re not.

In 2024, UK victims lost £649 million to investment fraud, a 13% increase from 2023 despite fewer reports. 66% of scams involved cryptocurrency, and 36% originated on social media platforms.

Tips to stay safe:

• Be wary of any guaranteed returns or offers that expire quickly, and always check investments are with a regulated financial business.

5. Theft of mobile phones

Your phone holds a lot of your personal information, including banking apps, passwords, and private details, which is exactly why there’s been a rise in mobile thefts in recent years.

In London alone, the Metropolitan Police recorded 116,655 mobile phone thefts in 2024, which is equivalent to 13 phones an hour or 321 a day. This crime is also on the rise outside of the capital city. Once stolen, criminal gangs often resell the device or use them for account takeovers.

Tips to stay safe:

• Always use strong passcodes and biometric security. Turn on remote wipe and tracking features, and if your phone is stolen, contact your bank immediately if to block access to your accounts.

Fraudsters are getting smarter, so it’s more important than ever to stay one step ahead in 2026.

For more tips and advice, visit our Protect Yourself from Fraud page.

We wish you a cheerful and fraud-free New Year!

Sources:

Over £600 million stolen by fraudsters in first half of 2025 | Take Five

AI Deepfake Fraud Calls Dominate Q4 Scams, Costing Consumers Millions

UK Finance: Fraud Losses Flat at £1.17bn as Criminals Shift | FinTech Magazine

Fastest growing scams of 2024 revealed | NatWest Group

UK Investment Fraud Losses Rise to £649 Million in 2024, Despite Drop in Reports – BrokersView