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Consumer fear of fraud grows as AI evolves 

September 20, 2024

Telesign Team

In the second set of data recently released as part of our 2024 Trust Index, we can see that consumers worldwide are feeling the impact of fraud as the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in society ramps up. It’s clear how anxious consumers have become about the possibility of fraud in this new world. According to the Trust Index, 58% of consumers worldwide are more fearful of becoming fraud victims now than they were two years ago. This fear crosses demographics and regions, affecting multiple generations.  

Let’s take a deeper look at what’s driving some of this fear.  

Fraud on the rise

The Telesign report details a sharp increase in fraud incidents, with 60% of fraud victims reporting experiences within the last six months, marking a notable 31% increase from the previous year. This surge is likely driven by the evolution of fraud techniques, including the use of generative AI. Fraudsters are now deploying sophisticated AI tools to conduct more frequent and complex attacks, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to protect themselves. 

Fraud spans ages and genders, but affects some groups more

The study highlights demographic differences in fraud victimization rates. Men report higher victimization rates than women (55% vs. 45%), and younger generations¾particularly millennials¾experience fraud more frequently than older generations. Millennials account for 45% of all fraud victims, compared to 28% of generation X and 15% of boomers. Regardless of the generation and gender, the report underscores the need for robust AI-powered fraud protection solutions to safeguard personal data across diverse demographics. 

The impact of data breaches

Data breaches continue to be a significant driver of fraud incidents, with nearly half of all reported fraud cases involving information stolen during a breach. As more brands fall victim to data breaches, the number of fraud incidents linked to stolen data rises every year. This trend highlights the critical need for businesses to implement advanced cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data. 

The role of AI in combatting fraud

The growing role of AI in fraud attacks has prompted some businesses to leverage AI for good, using it to enhance fraud prevention and cybersecurity measures. AI-powered solutions can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, identifying patterns and anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activity. This proactive approach enables businesses to detect and prevent fraud before it occurs, significantly reducing the risk of fraud incidents. 

A formula for building consumer trust

Building consumer trust is essential in today’s digital landscape. Businesses must prioritize transparency and timely communication to reassure customers about the safety of their personal information. Robust cybersecurity measures are necessary to combat the growing threat of AI-driven fraud. Here are a few steps you can take to build consumer trust today. 

  1. Implement advanced AI solutions 

Invest in AI-powered fraud prevention tools that can analyze data in real-time, detect suspicious activity, and automate responses. These tools can help your business stay ahead of fraudsters and protect your customers’ personal information.  

  1. Educate and train employees 

Ensure that your employees are well-versed in cybersecurity best practices. Regular training sessions can help them recognize potential threats and respond appropriately, reducing the risk of internal vulnerabilities. 

  1. Communicate with customers 

Timely communication is key to building consumer trust. Keep your customers informed about the measures you are taking to protect their data and provide guidance on how they can safeguard themselves against fraud. 

  1. Collaborate with industry experts 

Partner with industry experts and organizations that specialize in fraud prevention and cybersecurity. These collaborations can provide valuable insights and resources to enhance your security measures. 

A trusted digital environment is possible

By adopting these strategies and leveraging the power of AI, businesses can not only protect themselves from fraud but also build a foundation of trust and security that will drive long-term success. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your business is equipped to handle the evolving landscape of digital security. Talk to one of our experts today. You can also check out this blog for more information on Building digital trust in a world of artificial intelligence