AI Scams Skyrocket: Cyber-Risk Tops Ransomware in 2026

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.

AI tools are lowering entry barriers for cybercriminals, enabling quicker localization of messages, voice cloning, and realistic impersonations. Vulnerable groups like children and women face amplified risks through impersonation and synthetic image abuse. Many organizations struggle with inadequate staff and expertise to combat these evolving threats.

To combat these risks, consumers are advised to slow down, question urgent requests, and avoid sharing sensitive information via unsolicited outreach. Independent verification of requests is crucial, as traditional red flags are becoming less reliable. Staying alert, using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and basic online security measures remain vital.