OECD warns that financial fraud is the biggest risk to consumers in 2026 Merca2.0

Financial fraud has become one of the biggest threats facing consumers worldwide. That is the warning from the Consumer Finance Risk Monitor 2026, an international report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which analyzes the main risks in the financial system for users.

READ ALSO. Cybersecurity tops the list of threats: 31% of CEOs fear significant losses from attacks

The OECD document, based on information from 60 jurisdictions and more than 100 regulatory authorities, concludes that the rise in digital scams, the expansion of online financial services, and the growing sophistication of cybercriminals are creating an increasingly complex environment for consumers.

Among the study’s most relevant findings is that 85% of jurisdictions identify financial fraud as the main risk for users of financial services.

This landscape reflects a global trend: as the economy becomes more digitalized, the forms of deception targeting users also evolve.

Why are financial fraud cases increasing around the world?

One of the key factors behind the rise in financial scams is the accelerated digitalization of the financial system.

The expansion of banking apps, online investment platforms, and digital payment services has made financial products more accessible, but it has also opened up new opportunities for criminals.

The report notes that 69% of jurisdictions reported an increase in financial fraud cases between 2024 and 2025.

The most common scams include:

• phishing through fake emails
• fraudulent messages via SMS or messaging apps
• phone calls impersonating banks or financial institutions
• fake investment schemes
• identity theft and card cloning

The situation becomes even more complex with the incorporation of emerging technologies.

What role does artificial intelligence play in new financial scams?

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way financial fraud operates.

Criminals use AI tools to create more convincing messages, voice imitations, and even manipulated videos known as deepfakes, capable of deceiving even experienced consumers.

These technologies make it possible to replicate the identity of bank executives, financial advisors, or even victims’ relatives.

The result is a rise in fraud schemes that are increasingly difficult to detect, which is worrying financial regulators and consumer protection authorities.

What types of financial fraud affect consumers the most?

The report identifies several types of scams that are affecting millions of users worldwide.

Among the most frequent are:

Investment fraud:
Promises of quick profits through cryptocurrencies, trading, or “exclusive” investments.

Identity impersonation:
Scammers pose as banks, fintechs, or technology companies to obtain personal data.

Phishing and smishing:
Fake messages sent by email or SMS designed to trick victims into entering their banking credentials.

Credit card fraud:
Improper use of stolen financial data to make purchases or transfers.

These crimes often exploit urgency or fear to manipulate consumers.

Why are consumers more vulnerable to financial fraud?

The study warns that consumer vulnerability is not only explained by technology, but also by structural factors.

One of the most important is the lack of financial education.

According to the report, 81% of jurisdictions consider low levels of financial literacy to be one of the main risks for consumers.

The data show that:

• only 34% of adults reach a minimum level of financial literacy
• just 26% compare financial products before signing up for them
• around 24% seek independent advice

This means that a large part of the population makes financial decisions without fully understanding the risks involved.

How does digitalization influence financial risks?

The digitalization of banking and financial services has contradictory effects. On the one hand, it has expanded access to financial products, especially in regions where the traditional banking system had little presence.

However, it has also created new challenges.

The report indicates that 44% of jurisdictions consider the lack of digital skills to be a significant risk for consumers. This especially affects:

• ⇒ older adults
• ⇒ low-income individuals
• ⇒ consumers in rural areas
• ⇒ users with limited technological experience

In these cases, the transition toward digital financial services can increase exposure to fraud.

What other financial risks are consumers facing in 2026?

In addition to financial fraud, the report identifies other factors affecting household economic stability. One of them is rising debt.

According to the study, 63% of jurisdictions believe that high levels of consumer debt represent a significant risk.

This phenomenon is linked to several factors:

• ⇒ persistent inflation
• ⇒ rising cost of living
• ⇒ higher food and housing costs
• ⇒ easy access to digital credit

For example, food prices in OECD countries are 46% higher than in 2019, which has put pressure on household budgets.

As a result, many households are turning to credit to cover everyday expenses.

What can consumers do to protect themselves from financial fraud?

Given the growth of financial scams, experts recommend adopting several preventive measures:

• ⇒ always verify the identity of financial institutions
• ⇒ avoid sharing personal or banking information by phone or online
• ⇒ be wary of investment offers with guaranteed returns
• ⇒ activate security systems on bank accounts
• ⇒ report any suspicious activity immediately

Financial education and digital awareness are becoming key tools to reduce risks.

Follow us on Google News.