Safer Internet Day: Police urge caution over AI‑powered scams and fraud

Merseyside Police is encouraging the public to stay alert to the growing ways criminals can misuse artificial intelligence, as the force supports Safer Internet Day 2026 (Tuesday 10 February).

This year’s international event, coordinated nationally by the UK Safer Internet Centre, explores how AI is shaping the online world. The force is using the opportunity to highlight that while AI can be helpful in everyday life, it can also be misused to make fraudulent messages or requests appear more convincing by being more polished or personal than in the past.

Detective Sergeant Danny Gavin from the Merseyside Police Cyber Unit said: “AI makes it quicker and easier for criminals to generate convincing messages, images, or audio. That doesn’t mean these approaches are everywhere, but the capability exists and is continually improving. Our message is simple: take a moment to check things independently. If a message feels unusually slick or unexpectedly personal, pause and verify it using a method you already trust.”

Alongside its support for the day, Merseyside Police is running a mini-campaign to introduce The Cyber Six – six key areas of best practice that the force is encouraging everyone to adopt as part of their personal cyber security. These priority aspects are awareness of AI, vigilance against scams and phishing, enabling two‑step verification (2SV), using strong and unique passwords, practising digital hygiene, and tightening up privacy settings.

To coincide with Safer Internet Day’s theme, the mini-campaign begins with the topic of AI, sharing straightforward advice to help the public stay safe as technology continues to evolve.

Drawing on the principles of The Cyber Six, Merseyside Police is encouraging residents to:

• Pause and examine the details – AI can make content look polished, but small inconsistencies or unusual phrasing may still stand out.
• Verify through trusted routes – Go directly to an organisation’s official website or contact someone using details you already have, rather than those provided in an unexpected message.
• Treat voice notes or video with care – AI can replicate voices and images, so any sensitive request should be double‑checked independently.
• Slow down and stay curious – Criminals rely on pressure; removing urgency helps people make safer decisions.

Detective Sergeant Gavin added: “Good cyber security doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple and practical habits go a long way to protecting yourself online, and Safer Internet Day is a great reminder to keep them in mind.”

Merseyside Police Cyber Protect officers will also continue their wider online safety engagement with schools, community groups and local organisations, offering practical guidance to people of all ages.

If you believe you have been a victim of cybercrime or fraud, you can report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. This service replaces Action Fraud as the national reporting centre, allowing victims to report incidents at any time.

Victims of cybercrime or fraud can obtain support from Victim Care Merseyside by calling Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. or request support online at www.victimcaremerseyside.org at any time.

If you have information about those committing cybercrime, you can pass information via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: crimestoppers-uk.org