• Global financial fraud cost over $442 billion in 2025
• AI boosts scams’ profits

A recent international report revealed that financial frauds cost the global economy more than $442 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing impact of technology-driven financial crimes.

The findings were published in INTERPOL’s 2026 Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment, which classified the risk of such crimes as high and warned that their scale is expected to rise significantly over the next three to five years.

The report points to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and the low cost of digital tools as key factors enabling new criminals to enter the field, accelerating the evolution and spread of fraudulent schemes. AI-powered fraud is now estimated to be 4.5 times more profitable than traditional methods.

It also notes the emergence of “agentic AI” systems capable of independently planning and executing complete fraud campaigns, from gathering victim data to demanding ransom payments.

On the enforcement side, the report highlights improved international cooperation. Since 2024, fraud-related alerts and notices have increased by 54%, while INTERPOL has assisted member countries in over 1,500 transnational fraud cases, recovering assets worth approximately $1.1 billion.

INTERPOL Secretary-General Valdecy Urquiza described the trend as the “industrialization of fraud,” driven by AI, low-cost digital tools, and growing collaboration among criminal networks worldwide. He stressed that the cost of financial crimes goes beyond money, affecting personal savings, dignity, and in some cases, lives. Urquiza emphasized that strengthening cooperation between law enforcement, the private sector, and public awareness is essential to tackle this global threat.