November 12, 2025 Cybersecurity experts are warning of a sharp increase in investment scams powered by artificial intelligence, as criminals use advanced tools to mimic trusted institutions and lure victims into losing billions.
From March to October this year, NordVPN said that their Threat Protection Pro system blocked more than 4.5 million malicious domains tied to scams, phishing and fake online shops. The company says the jump marks one of the largest recorded increases in fraudulent activity — and AI is the driving force.
“Scammers are evolving at an unprecedented pace, using AI not just to automate attacks but to make them deeply convincing,” said Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN.
The new wave of fraud goes beyond traditional phishing emails. Criminals now use AI-generated voices to impersonate banks, government agencies and even relatives. Thousands of fake websites are being created each week — more than 120,000 of them mimicking Amazon alone in a two-month period. These scams increasingly target online investors, often using stolen personal data to tailor pitches that appear legitimate.
“AI is a double-edged sword: while it powers incredible innovations, it also equips scammers with tools to mimic legitimate communication flawlessly,” said Briedis.
Investment scams are among the fastest-growing forms of cybercrime. NordProtect, a related security firm, estimates global losses reached US$5.7 billion in 2024, up nearly 25 per cent from the previous year.
“Cybersecurity threats are no longer just about technology — they’re increasingly about the psychology of people and their resilience to social engineering attacks,” said Tomas Sinicki, managing director at NordProtect.
Experts say the best protection remains human awareness. They recommend verifying investment offers independently, checking web domains carefully and using multi-factor authentication to protect accounts. Tools such as identity-monitoring services can help detect breaches early, while cyber insurance can limit financial damage if scams succeed.
