F-Secure Scam Intelligence & Impacts Report 2026
Scams are no longer defined by how often they happen, but by the damage they cause. This year’s report reveals how the scam economy is evolving, driven by AI and organized crime — and shaped by the rising importance of digital trust.
Key Findings
The latest F‑Secure global consumer market research shows that scams are becoming more effective, more financially damaging, and more influential in how consumers choose and trust digital service providers.
Key Findings 1 of 5
Exposure is widespread
56% encounter scam attempts at least monthly.
Source: F Secure Global Consumer Market Survey 2026, n = 10,000
Key Findings 2 of 5
Financial loss is high
52% of victims lose money — more than double 2025 levels.
Source: F Secure Global Consumer Market Survey 2026, n = 10,000
Key Findings 3 of 5
Impact differs by age
Younger adults face higher exposure to scams, while older victims are more likely to lose money (60% of 65–74-year-old victims).
Source: F Secure Global Consumer Market Survey 2026, n = 10,000
Key Findings 4 of 5
Trust influences decisions
93% say it’s important that their telecommunications provider offers cyber security and 82% say security influences provider choice.
Source: F‑Secure Global Consumer Market Survey 2026, n = 10,000
Key Findings 5 of 5
Demand remains strong
51% are willing to pay for scam protection.
Source: F‑Secure Global Consumer Market Survey 2026, n = 10,000
What’s in the Report?
What’s in the Report?
The F‑Secure Scam Intelligence & Impacts Report 2026 examines how the scam landscape is evolving — and what it means for consumers and the digital service providers they trust. Drawing on global consumer data, it uncovers the structural shifts reshaping the scam economy and the growing role of trust in the digital experience.
The report also shows how artificial intelligence is accelerating the professionalization of scams, enabling organized crime groups to operate at scale. From automated scam operations to AI‑generated deception, it reveals how attacks are becoming harder to recognize, and how this is changing both the threat environment and the global response.
Finally, the report examines how trust is being challenged across everyday digital experiences, from search and shopping to communication. It outlines the emerging threats shaping 2026 and introduces a new model for digital trust — helping service providers move beyond protection to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and deliver security that feels like care.
Download the Report
Explore comprehensive consumer data and scam insights in the F‑Secure Scam Intelligence & Impacts Report 2026.
Dive Deeper into the Insights
The Cost of Scams: Same Exposure, Double the Loss
Scam exposure remains high in 2026, but the real shift is in impact. Financial losses have surged as cyber criminals become more effective at converting attempts into real monetary harm. Our 2026 consumer survey reveals how the scam landscape is changing.
Timo Salmi
Senior Solution Manager, F‑Secure
Trust Under Attack: The Scam Threats of 2026
Artificial intelligence is eroding trust in everyday digital interactions — from search results to voice calls. As scams infiltrate the online platforms and services people rely on, this chapter explores the key threats shaping 2026 and what they mean for digital trust.
Dr. Megan Squire
Threat Intelligence Researcher, F‑Secure
The AI Arms Race: Inside the Global Fight Against Scams
AI is transforming scams into highly efficient operations run by organized crime groups. As attacks become more sophisticated, the challenge isn’t just exposure — it's recognition. This chapter examines how AI is reshaping the scam economy and the global fight against it.
Jorij Abraham
Managing Director, Global Anti-Scam Alliance
Live Your Best Digital Life: A New Model for Trust
Discover how F-Secure is building a new model for digital trust — empowering digital service providers with AI‑powered, human-centered cyber security to enable trusted experiences across everyday digital life, so your customers feel secure, confident, and in control.
