CROOKS are using AI to clone victim’s voices and set up unauthorised direct debits over the phone.

That’s according to a watchdog that says the shocking scheme is part of “an organised criminal operation”.

Many Brits will be familiar with AI in form of helpful chatbots like OpenAI‘s ChatGPT or Google‘s Gemini.

But criminals are taking advantage of AI for an entirely different purpose: raiding your bank account.

That’s according to National Trading Standards, which says that the sickening con begins with a “seemingly harmless lifestyle survey phone call”.

This call is actually designed to gather as much info about you as possible, including details about your personal life, health, and finances.

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“The criminals use this data to develop AI-generated voice clones used to simulate consent for direct debits, deceiving even legitimate businesses and financial providers,” the watchdog explains.

“These details appear then to be passed or sold to other criminal operations who, with the details, can easily circumvent the banks and set up payments without the victim’s knowledge.

“Victims often do not realise payments are being taken.”

Scamming is rife: Brits receive seven scam calls or texts on average every month.

And NTS has blocked nearly 21 million scam calls in six months.

As part of that work, the watchdog has shut down more than 2,000 phone numbers.

To make their scams even more convincing for victims and banks, crooks are turning to AI.

“What we’re seeing is a deeply disturbing combination of old and new: traditional phone scams supported by disturbing new techniques,” said Louse Baxter MBE, who heads up the NTS’ scams team.

“Criminals are using AI not just to deceive victims, but to trick legitimate systems into processing fraudulent payments.

“This is no longer just a nuisance – it’s a coordinated, sophisticated operation targeting some of the most situationally vulnerable consumers in society.

“We urge everyone to speak to friends and relatives about scam calls, check bank statements regularly and report anything suspicious.”

NTS says that Brits are being cold-called and then coerced into providing details to the criminals.

This allowed crooks to take “continuous payments” from the accounts of victims.

And because this happens in the background, it’s possible for victims to not even realise their accounts are quietly being emptied.

“This alarming new twist in phone-based fraud shows just how quickly criminals are exploiting emerging technologies to prey on the public,” said John Herriman, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute chief.

“Voice cloning takes scam calls to a sinister new level, making it even harder for legitimate businesses and consumers to distinguish real interactions from fraudulent ones.

“Trading Standards teams across the UK are working tirelessly to disrupt these operations, but we need the public to stay alert, talk to loved ones about the risks, and report anything suspicious.

“Protecting consumers, especially those most vulnerable, requires all of us to stay informed and work together to tackle these modern day and emerging examples of fraud.”

Voice-cloning technology isn’t new – it’s been around for several years.

Tools to clone voices can be accessed cheaply and easily online, making the process relatively straightforward.

An AI tool can capture and replicate your voice with just a few seconds of audio.

STAYING SAFE

We spoke to Louise Baxter from the NTS, who shared advice for Sun readers worried about this kind of con.

“It all starts with one phone call, where you think you’re talking to a real company and they ask for your bank details,” Louise told The Sun.

“So the most important advice is to never give any personal information to anyone who calls you out of the blue and without doing your own checks on who they are, no matter how genuine they sound.

“But the criminals are clever and anyone can be a victim of a scam.

“With the growing use of sophistication and AI in scams, we should all get into the habit of checking our bank statements regularly to make sure we recognise all the payments that are going out.

“We’re also urging people to talk to friends and relatives who may be more vulnerable to scam phone calls, to help them stay safe.”

Louise also recommended visiting their website for advice – http://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk – as well as instructions for downloading the NTS’ new scam-fighting app.

The incident saw an Audi SQ7 model stolen from Leeds, according to Greater Manchester Police, in the early hours of today, February 4.

The car was driven along the M62 towards Greater Manchester before being spotted by officers who began following it.

The Audi drove onto the M60 and then the East Lancashire Road, where a pursuit ensued. Police cars and the National Police Air Service helicopter followed it.

Officers say it hit “more than 120mph” in some areas, before its two occupants decamped on Milk Street, Tyldesley, and were arrested.

The driver, an 18-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, dangerous driving, failing to stop and no insurance.

The passenger, a 20-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Both remain in custody for questioning.

Sergeant Rebecca McElory from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said: “This was a fast‑moving incident that began outside our force area, and thanks to the coordinated work between ourselves and colleagues from NPAS, we were able to safely bring it to a conclusion.

“The two suspects in this job showed a complete disregard for the law and for the safety of other road users by travelling at extremely high speeds in a stolen vehicle.

“We are very lucky that we aren’t here talking about a high-speed collision which could have seen innocent members of the public seriously injured.

“I hope these arrests send a clear message to those who think they are above the law that we will not hesitate to take action against these people who strike fear into our communities.”

The president’s name appeared more than 6,000 times in the documents. He was frequently mentioned by Epstein and his associates. The two men, both residents of New York City and West Palm Beach, had by all accounts a friendly relationship for much of the 1990s until, according to Trump, they fell out in the early 2000s.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Roseneath Road in Great Lever, where the incident took place.

A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson told The Bolton News: “Shortly before 3.30pm this afternoon (Wednesday, February 4) officers were called to reports of a dog attack on Roseneath Road, Bolton.

“Emergency services attended and a 10-year-old girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries, believed to be life-changing.

“Armed Response Vehicles and GMP Dog Unit were deployed, and two dogs have been detained.

“A 28-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control, and are currently in custody.

“Officers will remain in the area as they conduct further enquiries and to provide reassurance to the community.”

Residents gathered while emergency services attended the scene (Image: Supplied)

In footage shared with The Bolton News, Roseneath Road was taped off, with a police car blocking the road.

Three other police vehicles could be seen further down the residential street.

Details of the attack have not yet been released, and it is unclear at this stage whether both detained dogs were involved.

ARSENAL and Manchester City will face off in the League Cup final next month… pitting apprentice Mikel Arteta against master Pep Guardiola.

Arteta, 43, served as Guardiola’s City assistant for three years before becoming Gunners boss in 2019.

The pair won several trophies together, including a League Cup at Arsenal‘s expense in 2018.

Guardiola continued to win plenty of trophies following Arteta’s Etihad exit, even pipping his former No2 to the title in 2023 and 2024.

But the gap has narrowed in recent years, with Arsenal finally finishing above City last season, albeit still below Liverpool, and currently leading them by six points in this term’s title race.

Arteta managed to claim a big early win over Guardiola in his managerial career, beating him 2-0 in the 2020 FA Cup semi-finals behind closed doors after deploying a back-three formation.

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Arsenal went on to win that season’s FA Cup, Arteta’s first silverware as a boss.

But that semi-final triumph would be his only win over Guardiola in his first nine attempts, with Arsenal losing all eight of the others.

These defeats included a 5-0 hammering at the Etihad in August 2021, as well as a 4-1 Eastlands demolition in April 2023 as Arsenal’s title dream that season was crushed.

Amazingly, that was the last time that Guardiola beat Arteta – with the latter arguably now having the upper hand.

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The Netflix adaptation of the classic Gothic novel stars a Downton Abbey favourite.

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Period drama enthusiasts might be missing out on a Netflix treasure, adapted from one of literature’s most cherished classics.

This gripping thriller film, described as “gripping from beginning to end”, features a beloved Downton Abbey star alongside a favourite from Slow Horses.

Rebecca, which arrived on Netflix in 2020, draws from Daphne Du Maurier’s renowned thriller bearing the same title.

Du Maurier’s 1938 Gothic masterpiece remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its compelling themes and shocking plot twists, continuing to captivate audiences nearly a century after publication.

This bestselling novel has inspired multiple adaptations throughout the decades, including Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 version, which claimed the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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Ben Wheatley’s latest interpretation for Netflix brings together performances from Call Me by Your Name’s Armie Hammer, Lily James and Kristin Scott Thomas.

James has garnered acclaim for portraying Rose in Downton Abbey, Young Donna in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Pamela Anderson in Pam and Tommy.

Thomas, a distinguished British actress, is recognised for her roles as Diana Taverner in Slow Horses, Fiona in Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Sylvia McCordle in Gosford Park.

The IMDb synopsis for Rebecca states: “A young newlywed arrives at her husband’s imposing family estate on a windswept English coast and finds herself battling the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, whose legacy lives on in the house long after her death.”

Despite Rebecca holding a rather modest 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, numerous viewers believe the film deserves more recognition based on the feedback, reports the Express.

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Viewers flocked to the comments section to express their opinions, with one remarking: “This movie gripped me from beginning to end. I couldn’t look away, and I didn’t see anything coming. You think you know what the movie is about, then there is a twist, and the whole thing takes a left turn you didn’t see coming.”

“ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! ! !” another enthusiast declared, continuing: “Nothing can touch the original masterpiece however this film, in many ways, is faithful Du Mauriers cunning flip of stereotypes.”

“Loved the thrill, love story, period views, so well made I would watch it again,” a third audience member wrote, whilst another concurred: “Loved the book and this version of it in film. Have watched I many times. Great cast and acting.”

Additional supporters praised how the classic novel had been brought to life on Netflix, with one suggesting: “If you’ve read Rebecca and it’s a beloved novel to you, this movie is amazing. A great rendition.”

Others were baffled by the film’s poor reception, with one viewer stating: “I don’t understand all the bad reviews for Rebecca. I loved the new adaptation. I especially loved the costumes and filming locations. Lily James does a wonderful job.”

“Excellent twist on a classic thriller! I am not sure why this doesn’t have better reviews but it is well worth your time,” one supporter declared, whilst another concurred: “This movie is a stunningly faithful adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel.”

Another viewer gushed: “What a ride! ! ! This genre bending thriller will take you on the wildest roller coaster of your life. The next time someone asks me what my favorite movie is, I’m saying Rebecca.

“This movie surpassed my every expectation. Here I was, sitting on the couch expecting some lame romance but nope! ! I am going to pass this movie down through generations of my family.”

Yet not all viewers shared this enthusiasm, with one critic noting: “Bland to the point of boring.”

Someone else stated: “What was an interesting, suspenseful book with hints of psychological thriller in it became a vapid, rushed, and bland movie that sapped two hours of my life. If you like your movies to stick to the plot of your books, avoid this.”

A third viewer grumbled: “As much as I love the actors and actresses in this movie, nothing about it really had me enjoying the film. The clichés were handed out like appetizers and the plot of the film was all over the place. Wasn’t a fan.”

Despite the film’s less than stellar Rotten Tomatoes rating, the abundance of positive feedback from fans suggests that Rebecca may well be an underappreciated gem.

Rebecca is available to stream now on Netflix.

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

Omar Marmoush, starting ahead of the rested Erling Haaland, helped himself to a brace, while Tijjani Reijnders scored his first Carabao Cup goal to put City 5-0 up on aggregate at the break. Newcastle, who lifted the trophy by beating Liverpool in last season’s final, were brave throughout and did have their chances, but Anthony Elanga’s second half consolation was all they had to show for their efforts across two legs.

​The former Halifax at 67 -68 Baxtergate, Whitby – the town’s last high street bank – can now be converted into an adult gaming centre (AGC) as part of plans by Luxury Leisure which trades as Admiral.

​A North Yorkshire Council planning committee rejected the proposal last March following a parliamentary petition and more than 500 objections “based on loss of amenity, the unsuitable location, noise disturbance, and because it would be to the detriment of Whitby and the character of the town”.

​The refusal has been overturned on appeal by a Government planning inspector.

​The inspector said he found “no compelling evidence” that the proposal would lead to noise levels that would adversely affect or disturb the living conditions of the residents in nearby properties.

​The inspector said he took into consideration “the weight of public opposition to the proposal” but his decision was based on its acceptability based on planning policy.

​“Owing to the discrete nature of AGCs, I consider that such uses can be successfully accommodated in shopping areas without resulting in harm,” he added.

​Council did not defend ‘this approach’

​The MP for Scarborough and Whitby, Alison Hume, had presented a petition to the House of Commons – signed by more than 400 residents – urging the “Government to encourage North Yorkshire Council to reject the application” just days before councillors rejected the scheme.

​However, at the appeal stage, North Yorkshire Council did “not supply an appeal statement defending this approach,” a report published by the Planning Inspectorate notes.

​Following the original decision to reject the application, several NYC councillors said the committee should have approved the application with restricted hours instead of refusing it.

​The AGC will be allowed to operate on a 24-hour basis.

​However, the inspector ruled in favour of the council after Luxury Leisure also applied for an award of costs on the grounds that councillors had “behaved unreasonably” leading to “unnecessary or wasted expense in the appeal process”.

​In his decision on the application for costs, the inspector said: “Although I took a different view on the matter at appeal, the council’s members were entitled to take the opposite view, contrary to its officers.

“On the basis of what is before me, I am satisfied that this judgement was exercised reasonably”.

​‘Las Vegas of the East Coast’

​When the planning committee decided to reject the AGC proposal last year, Cllr Derek Bastiman said: “If it’s approved, Whitby will become the Las Vegas of the East Coast.”

​Addressing the main concerns about possible effects on the living conditions of neighbouring residents, the inspector said he was “satisfied that it would not generate anti-social behaviour”.

​A report states that the AGC will offer a range of gaming machines limited to “low stakes of between 10p and £2 and will not include fixed odds betting terminals”.

​The inspector’s report states: “AGCs play background music internally similar to a retail unit, the noise of which is contained within the building, whilst the machines themselves are quiet”

​“The appellant sets out that customers are free to walk in prior to 10pm, after which the doors are normally locked, and customers are individually ‘buzzed in’.

​He added: “I would further note that owing to the 24-hour nature of the use, exit or arrival would not be concentrated at closing or opening times as can sometimes be a feature of other late opening uses.”

​The inspector also dismissed concerns about an impact on the character and appearance of Whitby’s conservation area as no external alterations had been proposed.

​“Should any external changes be required, along with advertisement displays, these would be considered as part of any future applications for planning permission or advertisement consent,” he added.

‘Wasting no time’

​Cllr Neil Swannick, who represents Whitby Streonshalh on NYC, said he was disappointed by the inspector’s decision but added that it “came as no surprise”.

​“The Government seems to have now woken up too late to the disastrous consequences of the three words in planning law – ‘aim to permit’ – which are letting through a tide of these gambling dens on to our high streets,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

​He added: “In fact, the owners are wasting no time: workmen are already on site turning the former Halifax bank into an [adult gaming centre].”

​Luxury Leisure has said it will invest £500,000 in the property and create 12 full-time equivalent jobs.

​The company added: “The proposal will result in the viable re-use of vacant retail premises and in the professional agreement of the North Yorkshire planning officers will not harm the vitality and viability of Whitby town centre.”

​Luxury Leisure, which is part of the Novomatic Group, said it employs more than 2,000 staff in the UK and accounts for 22.5 per cent of the UK adult gaming centre market “such that it is a highly experienced responsible operator in this market”.

​It added that there would be “no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under-18s and has an impact on amenity”.

LAW enforcement officials have returned to the property of Nancy Guthrie four days after she was abducted from her Arizona home.

Photos captured by The U.S. Sun showed several federal agents accompanying Pima County Sheriff’s officers as they searched the sunbaked woodland near Guthrie’s home on Wednesday afternoon,

Law enforcement officials taped back up the 84-year-old’s house to block access to the property.

The police resurfacing at Guthrie’s home comes days after Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said authorities had completed their investigation at the property and had returned it to the family.

The U.S. Sun observed a K9 sniffing through the rugged area surrounding Guthrie’s property.

Federal agents were also seen stepping in and out of Guthrie’s garage.

It’s unclear whether a tip or a new development led Pima County deputies to return to the scene of the crime.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said detectives conducted a “follow-up” at Guthrie’s home.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The U.S. Sun.

What we know about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance…

A concerned neighbor, who asked not to be named, told The U.S. Sun she was praying for Guthrie’s safe return as she observed federal law enforcement officials canvassing the property on Wednesday.

“I always felt like she was exposed,” the woman said referring to Guthrie.

“Like, how many people knew she lived here because her daughter’s very wealthy. That’s the thing.”

The woman said she last spoke with Guthrie weeks before Pima County police say she was physically taken from her home against her will on Sunday morning.

The neighbor said she returned to her home at around 9:30 pm on Saturday evening, about 15 minutes before authorities said Guthrie was dropped off at her residence by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, the husband of her daughter Annie.

However, the woman did not recall hearing anything of great concern before she went to bed on that evening.

“I heard dogs barking, but we have a lot of coyotes at night, so we hear a lot of barking and whooping from the coyotes that are around the neighborhood,” she added.

“But if it’s something loud, everybody would hear it.”

Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home on February 1, 2026.

Timeline:

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• January 31, 9:45 pm: Family members drop off Nancy, 84, at her home in Tucson, Arizona, after having dinner with her.
• February 1, 11:00 am: A parishioner at Nancy’s church calls the mom’s children and says she failed to show up for service.
• February 1, 12:15 pm: The family calls 911 after going to Nancy’s property to check on her.
• February 1, 8:55 pm: The Pima County Sheriff’s Office gives their first press conference, and reveals some clues found at Nancy’s home caused “grave concern.” They say helicopters, drones, and infrared cameras are all being utilized in the search.
• February 2, 9:17 am: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says search crews have been pulled back, as Nancy’s home is considered a crime scene.
• February 2, morning: Savannah releases a statement that’s read by her co-hosts on Today, and thanks supporters for their prayers.
• February 2, evening: Nanos tells the media they fear Nancy has been abducted.
• February 3: Nanos admits they have no suspects, no leads, and no videos that could lead to Nancy’s recovery. He and the FBI beg for more tips and accounts from residents.
• February 3: A trail of blood is pictured outside Nancy’s home, where there were reportedly signs of forced entry.

SAVANNAH’S AGONY

Savannah Guthrie and her elder siblings, Annie and Camron, broke their silence on their mother’s disappearance in a gut-wrenching video on social media.

The siblings were seated together as they pleaded for their mother’s safe return and sent a heartbreaking message to their mom’s alleged kidnappers.

Addressing the online reports about a ransom note from her mother’s alleged kidnappers, the family said they were “ready to talk.”

“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family we are doing everything that we can,” Savannah said.

“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated.

“We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her.

“We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.

“Please, reach out to us.”

Fighting back tears, the Today co-host, 54, said, “Our mom is our heart, and our home. She’s 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile.

“She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine, she needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”

Annie, Savannah’s older sister, added, “We are human, just normal human people who need their mom. Mama, mama, if you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.”

Meanwhile, Camron, Savannah’s elder brother, said, “We love you, mom. Stay strong.”