The threat is an increase in AI-enhanced online scams, including phishing emails, synthetic voice impersonations, and fake media, primarily delivered via email and social media platforms. These attacks leverage AI for better personalization and targeting, leading to a significant rise in successful fraud, particularly through fake invoices, investment schemes, and banking scams. While no specific technical patch exists, the report highlights consumer expectation for telecom providers to offer robust scam protections as a mitigating factor.
Phishing Consumers face increasing online scams, as AI fuels sophisticated attacks May 18, 2026 Share By SC Staff (Adobe Stock) As reported by Tech Radar, new research from F-Secure indicates that over half of consumers encountered online scam attempts monthly in 2025, with a significant portion falling victim and losing money. The findings highlight a concerning trend where scammers are becoming more adept at monetizing attacks, potentially leading to greater financial losses for individuals. F-Secure's Scam Intelligence & Impacts Report reveals that 56% of consumers faced monthly scam attempts in 2025. Alarmingly, the number of victims losing money doubled compared to the previous year, with fake invoice scams, investment fraud, and banking scams being prevalent. Artificial intelligence is identified as a key factor amplifying these attacks, enabling better targeting, more convincing impersonations, and faster deployment. Scammers are leveraging AI for personalized phishing emails, synthetic voices, and fake media. Despite 69% of consumers believing they can spot a scam, 43% of those individuals still became victims. Social media also remains a significant attack vector, with losses increasing substantially. While younger consumers face more attempts, older generations tend to lose more money. Consumers increasingly expect telecom providers to offer robust protections, with 93% deeming it important and 82% considering it a factor in choosing a provider. Source: Tech Radar SC Staff Related Phishing FIFA World Cup scams target fans and businesses SC Staff May 18, 2026 Cybercriminals are using fake ticketing, accommodation, and transportation apps to trick fans into divulging login credentials or losing money. Phishing Hackers exploit calendar invites to hijack accounts using CalPhishing SC Staff May 18, 2026 The CalPhishing campaign, active since early 2026, begins with an email appearing to be an urgent administrative alert. Phishing Cofense unveils AI-driven platform to combat polymorphic phishing campaigns SC Staff May 14, 2026 The company's latest offerings focus on campaign-level responses rather than individual email analysis. Vision 3.2, a key component, utilizes clustering and pattern matching to detect sophisticated attacks that vary content, senders, and delivery methods. Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe You can skip this ad in 5 seconds