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AI Scams Skyrocket: Cyber-Risk Tops Ransomware in 2026
22 Jan
Summary
- Generative AI is predicted to escalate online scams and impersonations in 2026.
- Nearly 73% of CEOs reported personal or professional impact from cyber-enabled fraud.
- Consumer fraud losses reached $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% yearly increase.
Generative AI is projected to significantly amplify online scams and impersonation risks in 2026, shifting the primary cyber-threat for businesses and consumers from ransomware to advanced fraud. This evolution is already evident, with nearly 73% of surveyed CEOs reporting personal or professional encounters with cyber-enabled fraud.
This trend highlights a growing concern for leaders, moving focus from traditional ransomware threats to AI-driven scams that are both easier to deploy and more challenging to identify. The World Economic Forum stresses the need for coordinated action across governments, businesses, and technology providers to build cyber resilience and maintain trust.
Consumers are increasingly anxious, with identity theft now a top concern. Federal data indicates a substantial rise in consumer fraud losses, reaching $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year. Experts attribute this growth to generative AI making scams more convincing and easier to produce.
