Interpol has issued warning over the increasing role of artificial intelligence in global fraud networks, cautioning that its integration into criminal schemes is making scams faster, more convincing, and harder to detect.
Scam centres expand beyond Southeast Asia
What began as a problem concentrated in certain parts of Southeast Asia has evolved into a worldwide concern. Interpol reports that scam centres—often staffed by people trafficked under false job promises—are now operating in regions including the Middle East, Central America, and a growing hub in West Africa. Victims have been identified from at least 66 countries, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
These facilities, sometimes referred to as “scam factories,” compel victims to carry out large-scale online fraud. The schemes, which traditionally relied on scripted social engineering tactics, are now being significantly boosted by AI technologies.
How AI is fuelling the scams
According to Interpol, AI tools are being used at multiple stages of these criminal operations. Fraudsters are creating realistic job advertisements to lure individuals into trafficking pipelines. Once inside the centres, AI-generated content—including fake social media profiles, voice cloning, and deepfakes—is deployed in romance scams, sextortion, and investment fraud.
This technology enables criminals to personalise approaches for each target, automate outreach to thousands of potential victims, and quickly adjust their methods based on responses—dramatically increasing both the volume and success rate of scams.
Criminal networks diversifying
Interpol’s findings suggest that the networks running these scam centres are also involved in other forms of organised crime. The same trafficking routes used to move victims are being exploited for smuggling drugs, firearms, and even endangered wildlife, with certain scam hotspots overlapping regions known for illegal trade in species such as pangolins and tigers. This cross-criminal activity strengthens the resilience and profitability of these networks.
A call for coordinated action
Interpol is urging countries to strengthen intelligence-sharing between law enforcement agencies, work closely with NGOs that help victims, and engage with technology companies whose platforms are being misused. The agency stresses that public awareness is also essential. Warning signs to watch for include sudden requests to move conversations off verified platforms, demands for money or sensitive personal details, and inconsistencies in online profiles.
As AI continues to lower the cost of creating deceptive content while increasing its realism, Interpol’s advice is clear: remain cautious, verify information, and support collaborative efforts to disrupt these evolving scams. Without a united response across borders and sectors, the reach and impact of AI-driven fraud is likely to grow.
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