Telemarketing experts are warning UK households and businesses to remain vigilant as a new wave of AI-powered phone scams gains momentum ahead of the 31 January self-assessment tax deadline. The latest scams are designed to appear more convincing than ever, exploiting urgency and trust.
Front Line Sales Consultancy (FLSC) says fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated voice cloning, spoofed phone numbers and polished scripts to impersonate organisations such as HM Revenue & Customs and the DVLA, making fraudulent calls far more difficult to identify.
“Traditional scam calls were easy to spot — robotic voices, poor audio quality and obvious pressure tactics,” said a spokesperson for Front Line Sales Consultancy. “In 2026, that’s no longer the case. We’re seeing calls that sound calm, professional and convincingly human, sometimes even mimicking official tones or familiar voices. That’s what makes these scams so dangerous.”
AI voice cloning is changing the scam playbook
FLSC warns that scammers now need only a short audio sample — often taken from social media videos, voicemail greetings or leaked data — to generate realistic voice clones. These calls may include natural pauses, emotional language and confident responses designed to disarm scepticism.
“In some cases, people are being told they owe tax, face licence suspension, or must act immediately to avoid penalties,” the spokesperson added. “The urgency is deliberate. Scammers rely on panic rather than logic.”
Common scam scenarios reported in early 2026
Front Line Sales Consultancy highlights a rise in the following tactics:
- Fake HMRC calls claiming unpaid tax, missed filings or legal action unless immediate payment is made
- Bogus DVLA calls or messages threatening fines, licence suspension or vehicle seizure
- Caller ID spoofing, where the number appears to match a legitimate government helpline
- Follow-up texts or emails sent after a call to add credibility and push victims to click links or share details
FLSC stresses that HMRC and the DVLA do not demand payment, personal data or banking details via unsolicited phone calls.
Red flags that indicate a scam call
Telemarketing professionals at FLSC advise the public to watch for these warning signs:
- Pressure to act immediately, especially around deadlines or penalties
- Requests for payment or personal information over the phone
- Threatening or fear-based language, including legal action or account suspension
- Resistance to verification, such as discouraging you from hanging up and calling back
- Over-polished or scripted responses that fail when challenged with unexpected questions
“Caller ID alone means nothing anymore,” the FLSC spokesperson said. “If a call feels urgent, emotional or pushy, that’s usually your cue to stop and verify independently.”
How to protect yourself
FLSC recommends the following steps:
- Hang up and contact organisations directly using official numbers from trusted websites
- Never share bank details, passwords or one-time codes on unsolicited calls
- Be cautious of follow-up messages that reference a recent phone conversation
- Speak to friends, family or advisors before taking action if you’re unsure
“As the tax deadline approaches, scammers know people are already stressed,” the spokesperson added. “A moment of caution can prevent serious financial loss.”
Why this matters now
With the 31 January deadline approaching, Front Line Sales Consultancy expects scam activity to peak, particularly targeting self-employed individuals, contractors and small business owners.
“These scams evolve every year,” the spokesperson said. “In 2026, AI has tipped the balance. Awareness is now the strongest defence.”
