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The Rising Threat of AI-Driven Scams in Digital Payments

In its Spring 2026 Biannual Threats Report, Visa sheds light on a pivotal shift in the world of digital payments. As the firm fortifies its payment security measures, fraudsters are quickly adapting their strategies, increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and social engineering techniques. This transformation has raised the alarm among cybersecurity experts, who note that scams are becoming one of the fastest-growing categories of consumer fraud.

Based on insights gathered from Visa's expansive global network, the report indicates a stark increase in scams where criminals manipulate victims into conducting transactions under false pretenses. In the latter half of 2025 alone, Visa identified nearly $1 billion in fraud-related activities, marking a significant uptick in consumer payment fraud. Unlike traditional fraud methods, which often involve technical breaches, these new schemes rely on deception, urgency, and impersonation of trusted entities.

Paul Fabara, Visa's Chief Risk and Client Services Officer, emphasizes the need to adapt to this evolving landscape. “While payment security is steadily improving across our network,” he states, “the threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Criminals are targeting people, exploiting deception and urgency through AI-driven techniques. To combat this, continuous innovation at the network level is essential, as well as collaboration across banks, merchants, policymakers, and the entire payment ecosystem.”

Key Trends Shaping Global Payment Threats

The report outlines four critical trends shaping the current payment security landscape:

1. Shift in Fraud Tactics
While fraud using device tokens saw a decrease of 9.6% from July to December 2025 compared to the previous year, this statistic underscores the effectiveness of enhanced authentication and network-level protections. However, as these measures improve, fraudsters are shifting their focus to new areas of victim exploitation.

2. Acceleration of Scams
Scams are now the largest threat facing consumers in the digital payment realm. Criminals are increasingly prioritizing social engineering over traditional system breaches, adapting to consumers' tendencies and vulnerabilities.

3. AI Transforming Both Offense and Defense
While scammers utilize AI to execute more convincing and widespread fraud schemes, defense mechanisms are also evolving. Enhanced AI tools are being employed to detect and thwart fraud attempts earlier in the transaction process.

4. Changing Landscape of Ransomware
The report highlights that ransomware attacks surged by 26% between July and December 2025. Despite this increase, the percentage of victims paying ransoms dropped to a record low of 23%, reflecting improved defenses and the growing concerns about data leaks regardless of ransom payment.

Michael Jabbara, Senior Vice President of Visa’s Payment Ecosystem Risk and Control division, comments on the impact of AI on fraud: “The rapid proliferation of AI has drastically lowered the barrier to entry for criminals. What once required advanced technical skills can now be accomplished with simple prompts. This reality escalates the need for intelligence-driven defense mechanisms and robust collaboration across the ecosystem.”

In conclusion, Visa aims to provide valuable insights for business leaders to take preemptive measures against emerging fraud threats. For a more comprehensive understanding of the strategies employed to protect the global payment ecosystem, please refer to Visa’s security resources.

Learn More

The full report is available in Japanese for those interested in detailed insights regarding the findings and Visa's ongoing efforts to secure the global payment landscape. Visit visa.com/security for an in-depth perspective on the security measures being implemented.

About Visa

As a global leader in electronic payments, Visa connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments across more than 200 countries and regions. With a mission to create the most innovative, convenient, and secure payment network, Visa is committed to contributing to the prosperity of individuals, companies, and economies worldwide. The promise of an inclusive economy is integral to improving lives and connecting individuals to the future of payments. For more information, explore visa.com or visit the Japanese website at visa.co.jp.