Scam predictions for 2026: what’s coming next and how to stay safe
Written by Chris Thrower, on 06 Jan, 2026. Last updated 06 Jan, 2026Scams are changing fast.
And in 2026, they’re expected to become even harder to spot.
If scam calls feel more convincing than they used to, you’re not imagining it. Today’s scams are calmer, more personal and often powered by artificial intelligence. Many no longer rely on mistakes or pressure. Instead, they rely on trust.
In this guide, we look at the biggest scam predictions for 2026 and explain how to protect yourself and your loved ones. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear, practical advice.
Why scams no longer look obvious
Not long ago, scam calls were easy to recognise. Poor grammar, strange accents and rushed stories gave them away.
That’s no longer the case.
Modern scams use real personal data, professional scripts and familiar phone numbers. Some even unfold slowly over weeks or months. As a result, many victims don’t realise what’s happening until it’s too late.
Many scam numbers are already being reported by others, which is why checking unknown phone numbers before calling back can make a real difference.
This is why awareness matters more than ever. Understanding how scams work is now one of the strongest defences you have.
Job and task scams that take their time
One of the biggest scam trends expected in 2026 is the rise of long-running job and task scams.
These usually start with an unexpected message or call offering simple online work. At first, everything feels legitimate. Some people even receive small payments, which builds confidence.
Later, the tone changes.
Victims may be asked to pay a fee, deposit money or “invest” to unlock higher earnings. By then, trust is already established.
These scams work because they don’t feel like scams. People believe they’re earning money, not losing it.
Watch out for:
- Job offers that arrive out of the blue
- Requests to move conversations to messaging apps
- Payments required to continue working
Fake experts and AI-generated advisers
Another growing threat in 2026 is the use of AI-generated personalities.
Scammers can now create realistic video and voice content that appears to show financial advisers, legal experts or support staff. These fake experts may have websites, social media profiles and polished explanations.
What’s changed is how easy this is to do.
A professional appearance is no longer proof of legitimacy. Voices and faces can be copied. Videos can be faked.
If someone offers advice involving money or personal information, always pause and verify them using a trusted contact method.
Personalised scams using leaked data
Data breaches have made scam calls far more convincing.
Instead of guessing, scammers often know your name, address or service provider. This information is used to create believable stories about account problems or security checks.
From there, victims may be asked to share:
- One-time passcodes
- Login details
- Confirmation of personal information
It’s important to remember that genuine organisations do not ask for security codes over the phone. Even if the caller sounds calm and informed, this rule never changes.
Voice cloning and spoofed phone numbers
Voice cloning is one of the most worrying scam developments expected to grow in 2026.
With only a short audio clip, scammers can replicate a person’s voice. When combined with caller ID spoofing, these calls can sound and look completely genuine.
This is dangerous because phone calls create emotional pressure. Urgency and familiarity push people to act quickly.
The safest response is simple. Hang up. Then call back using a number you already trust.
Better still, stopping scam calls before they ring removes the pressure entirely.
Fake security checks and verification scams
New online safety rules have also created fresh opportunities for scammers.
As more services introduce age or identity checks, criminals are sending fake verification links and security alerts. These often include warnings about losing access unless immediate action is taken.
Legitimate companies don’t rush you or threaten you over the phone. If something feels urgent or unsettling, it’s worth slowing down and checking first.
Why phone scams remain the biggest risk
Despite the rise of online scams, phone calls remain the most effective tool for fraudsters.
A voice can reassure, pressure and persuade in ways messages cannot. That’s why scam calls are still responsible for some of the biggest losses.
Protecting the phone line protects everything connected to it.
How Phonely helps protect you in 2026
Phonely is designed to make answering the phone feel safe again.
By automatically blocking known scam numbers and filtering suspicious calls, Phonely’s scam protection features reduce exposure to the most common phone scams. Instead of reacting to threats, you’re protected before the phone even rings.
This is especially useful for people who rely on home phones, as well as families looking to protect parents or relatives.
Simple ways to stay safe from scams
You don’t need to be technical to avoid scams.
Take your time.
Never share security codes.
Hang up and call back.
Trust your instincts.
Talk openly about scams.
These small habits make a big difference.
If you’re unsure what to look for, learning the common signs of a phone scam can help you act with confidence.
Frequently asked questions about scam predictions for 2026
The biggest scam risks in 2026 include voice cloning scams, spoofed phone numbers, long-running job scams, and highly personalised scam calls using leaked personal data. Many of these scams sound calm and professional, which makes them harder to recognise.
Voice cloning scams use artificial intelligence to copy a real person’s voice using a short audio sample. Scammers then use that cloned voice during phone calls to impersonate banks, companies, or even family members. These calls often sound completely genuine.
Yes. Although scams are becoming more advanced, known scam numbers and suspicious calling patterns can still be blocked. Services that automatically screen and block scam calls help stop many threats before the phone even rings.
Warning signs include urgency, requests for security codes, pressure to act quickly, or being asked to move the conversation to another app. Even if the caller sounds professional or the number looks familiar, it’s always safest to hang up and call back using a trusted number.
Most genuine employers do not contact people out of the blue with job offers via phone calls or messaging apps. If a job offer involves paying money, completing “tasks” to earn more, or keeping the opportunity secret, it’s very likely a scam.
Scammers now use real personal data, professional scripts, AI-written messages, and spoofed phone numbers. This makes scam calls feel more natural and less suspicious than in the past, even to careful people.
The most effective protection is reducing exposure to scam calls altogether. Automatic scam call blocking, call screening, and simple rules like never sharing security codes help protect elderly relatives who rely on landline phones.
Hang up immediately and do not engage further. Never share personal information or security codes. If the call claims to be from a company you use, contact that company directly using the number on their official website or paperwork.
Final thoughts
Scams will keep evolving. That’s unavoidable.
What is avoidable is the stress and uncertainty that comes with answering the phone. With awareness, simple checks and the right protection in place, staying safe doesn’t need to be complicated.
If you want to learn more about how Phonely blocks scam calls and helps restore confidence in your phone line, you can explore our scam protection features in more detail.
