Americans View AI Scams as Top Threat

A new survey reveals that most Americans now fear AI-powered fraud more than traditional computer malware.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Cybersecurity

Isometric editorial illustration of a metallic lock surrounded by fragmented geometric light shards, representing the threat of AI-driven digital fraud. — A recent Wisevoter survey indicates that 62% of Americans view AI-powered fraud as a greater threat to digital security than traditional computer malware. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel less confident in your ability to spot online scams than you used to?

A survey of 1,000 Americans finds that 62% of respondents consider AI-driven scams a more dangerous threat than conventional malware. Growing sophistication in digital fraud has significantly eroded public confidence in identifying deceptive communications.

Why it matters

AI technology allows bad actors to create convincing, personalized threats at a massive scale and speed. This shift makes it increasingly difficult for average consumers to distinguish between legitimate digital interactions and fraudulent attempts.

The survey of 1,000 people highlights that 80% receive weekly scam emails or calls, while 76% are targeted by scam texts. Globally, these fraudulent efforts resulted in an estimated $442 billion in losses, with U.S. consumers accounting for $21 billion in 2025.

The details

Bad actors are increasingly leveraging AI to impersonate individuals and develop realistic fake websites for fraud delivery. As these tools become more accessible, the speed and volume of malicious campaigns have overwhelmed traditional security measures.

In 2025, Americans lost an estimated $21 billion to various scam operations.
Consumer confidence in spotting scams has fallen 33% over the past year.

The Tech Race

The rise of AI-powered fraud signals a shift away from traditional malware as the primary cybersecurity concern for the general public. This development follows a departure from the historical shift toward phishing and traditional malware as the primary focus of cybersecurity concerns.

Most Americans now face a high volume of digital threats, with over three-quarters receiving weekly scam texts or emails. This persistent environment requires increased vigilance as consumer confidence in verifying the authenticity of messages continues to decline.

The takeaway

Consumers should assume that any unsolicited digital communication could be an AI-generated attempt at fraud. Verifying the source of a message through an independent channel remains the most effective way to avoid becoming a victim of high-stakes scams.