Experian released its 2026 Future of Fraud Forecast, which identifies trends that may transform how digital organisations function in the year ahead.
The report identifies growing concerns, including AI scams, deepfake job seekers, and cloned websites that can deceive customers and companies.
Fraud losses already reached more than $12.5 billion in 2024, with nearly 60 % of companies reporting increased fraud losses year‑over‑year.
Agentic AI, autonomous systems that operate without apparent human supervision, is predicted to create new forms of fraud, prompting organisations to reconsider identity verification and risk management in digital sales, recruiting, and consumer engagement.
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What this means for creators
You are working hard to develop trust with your audience.
However, seemingly useful technologies can now be used against you, such as AI scams involving hackers using AI to clone your site or replicate your brand, bots impersonating you, or bogus applicant profiles targeting your projects.
It serves as a reminder that security should be an integral part of your creator toolkit rather than an afterthought.
What this means for entrepreneurs
This forecast should serve as a wake-up call for those scaling their online businesses.
The instruments that facilitate commerce, AI bots, automation, and digital hiring can also be weaponised.
Effective defence methods and AI-aware risk management are crucial for maintaining revenue, reputation, and consumer confidence.
