Image source, Sorcha Beeson Image caption,

Sorcha and Max were scammed out of nearly £1,000 during the months-long renovation of their houseboat

By Dan Whitworth

Money Box reporter, BBC Radio 4

Almost £100m is forecast to be stolen from thousands of victims this Christmas, High Street banks warn.

Trade body UK Finance, together with Trading Standards, say people need to be on their guard over the festive period.

And scams generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are "enhancing the threat", according to intelligence agency GCHQ.

It says 25 to 34-year-olds are most likely to fall victim.

The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of GCHQ, is warning that cyber-criminals are using AI to produce more convincing scam emails, fake adverts and websites.

'Reverse psychology'

Occupational therapist Shayla lost money in November after paying a £60 deposit for a sofa she wanted for Christmas.

The 24-year-old, who lives alone in Birmingham, was the victim of a purchase scam - she was tricked into paying for an item that never turned up.