Police have urged people across Ards and North Down to be on their guard after a sophisticated investment scam led to a victim losing £250,000.

The con reportedly began when the victim encountered what appeared to be an AI-generated online video featuring a prominent figure from the financial world, promoting an investment with promises of high returns.

Having made an initial small payment, the victim was then contacted on WhatsApp and pressed to invest further. The fraudsters convinced the victim to set up multiple online accounts and to grant remote access to a computer under the pretence of assisting with the process.

As the scheme escalated, the victim was encouraged to take out loans to continue investing, with funds ultimately diverted into accounts controlled by the criminals. The victim was also told extra fees were needed before any supposed investment funds could be released.

Inspector Youle said: "This was a sophisticated and substantial fraud in which criminals gradually gained the victim's trust before encouraging increasingly significant payments.

"Fraudsters can create extremely convincing advertisements, websites and communications. The use of artificial intelligence means that videos, voices and apparent endorsements from recognisable people can also be fabricated.

"An online advertisement or apparent celebrity endorsement should never be regarded as proof that an investment is genuine.

"Please be particularly cautious if you are contacted through messaging services and encouraged to transfer money, open additional accounts, borrow to invest, allow somebody remote access to your computer or make further payments in order to release an investment.

"Never allow yourself to be rushed into making a financial decision. Independently verify who you are dealing with and, where appropriate, check that a firm or individual offering financial services is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

"If you are concerned about an investment involving a family member or friend, have that conversation with them. A timely conversation or independent check could prevent further loses." Superintendent Joanne Gibson, chair of the Scamwise Partnership, said: "Taking a moment to stop and check any financial activity can make a real difference.

"The Police Service of Northern Ireland will use every available resource to protect individuals and communities from the harm caused by fraud and exploitation, but I would also ask family members to take the time to have a conversation with their family members about fraud in order to try and safeguard them against criminals.

"We know that this type of crime can have a far-reaching impact, but we can all work together to protect and prevent this from happening to those we care about.

"Fraudsters can be extremely convincing and use a variety of scenarios to make people believe them to be genuine. They are master manipulators."

Superintendent Gibson continued: "If you are concerned by the intent of a person involved with someone you care about, you can report to police on the non-emergency number 101. We will listen and we will act. Any abuse of that trust will be treated with the utmost seriousness."

Remember: Stop. Think Fraud. Following these simple steps can help protect you from scams:

• Stop – Pause before transferring money or sharing personal information with anyone you do not know. Do not be pressured by deadlines; legitimate organisations will give you time to consider.

• Think Fraud – Verify who you are dealing with using a trusted source. Where possible, check callers on another phone line and run image searches on pictures or videos. If you are unsure, do not send any money or goods.

If you have been targeted, report it to police at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or by calling 101. You can also report via the national service at www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or by phoning 0300 123 2040. Contact your bank as soon as possible about any suspected fraudulent transactions.

Suspicious text messages can be forwarded to 7726. Further advice is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni.