Scam Losses Double as Fraud Hits Majority of U.S. Consumers — F-Secure Oyj

Event summary

F-Secure's 2026 report finds 56% of consumers encounter scams monthly, with financial losses doubling year-over-year.
Nearly 40 million U.S. consumers fell victim to scams in 2025, with 52% of victims losing money.
High-value scams like fake invoices (20%), investment fraud (19%), and banking/payment scams (11%) now dominate.
Older adults (65-74) are most vulnerable, with 60% of victims in this age group reporting financial losses.
93% of consumers prioritize cybersecurity when choosing digital service providers, with 69% willing to switch for better security.

The big picture

F-Secure's report highlights a fundamental shift in the scam economy, with criminals targeting higher-value victims and leveraging AI to make fraud more convincing. The findings underscore the growing importance of cybersecurity in consumer decision-making, as trust becomes a critical differentiator in the digital services market. With nearly 40 million U.S. victims in 2025, the financial and psychological impact of scams is escalating, demanding a strategic response from both providers and regulators.

What we're watching

AI Arms Race: How AI will further escalate the sophistication and scalability of scams, challenging traditional detection methods.
Market Differentiation: Whether digital service providers can leverage trust as a growth driver by enhancing cybersecurity offerings.
Regulatory Response: The pace at which regulators will intervene to mitigate rising scam-related financial losses.