Fraud continues to plague families, organizations and businesses. No one is completely safe, and every industry faces vulnerability risks. Meanwhile, fraudsters are advancing their techniques, collaborating through dark web channels to develop increasingly creative and deceptive tactics – all designed to steal or acquire personal information such as login credentials.
As we look ahead, a common theme for 2026 is the growing use of artificial intelligence as a tool for deception. While this isn’t a positive message, it’s one we must acknowledge to protect our assets and information.
With that in mind, here are the top three fraud trends to watch out for in the new year:
- Business Email Compromise and email account compromise
- Identity theft
- Multi-step and long-term scams
The first step to fight back is recognition of the threats. Once you’re aware of the attacks, you can establish controls and processes to provide long-term protection.
By taking proactive measures, you can help deny scammers the access they want while protecting the long-term safety of your business and customers.
Let’s get started.
1. Business Email Compromise (BEC) and Email Account Compromise
Aided by artificial intelligence and large language models, BEC attacks will continue to cause significant losses. Fraudsters will use these tools to craft communications that appear authentic and convincing. Expect deepfake audio to impersonate trusted partners, combined with email or text messages, to persuade victims to alter payment details or initiate new transactions. Social media and social engineering will make these attacks highly targeted.
How to mitigate Business Email Compromise and email account compromise:
Utilize strong vendor relationships and a robust vendor management program – including emergency contacts and data protection protocols – are more critical than ever.
Adopt the STOP–CALL–CONFIRM approach. If you receive a request to change payment details or initiate a new payment: STOP your process, CALL the requestor using a number you know (not the one provided in the message), and CONFIRM the request is legitimate.
2. Surge in Identity Theft
Businesses that extend credit should prepare for a rise in synthetic identities – combinations of real and fabricated personal data used to commit application fraud. Even nonprofits may be targeted by fraudsters posing as charities seeking funding. The ease of creating legitimate-looking websites, business documents and credit histories makes these schemes highly deceptive. Beware of items advertised at “too good to be true” prices – they likely are.
How to fight identity theft:
Know your customer. Conduct thorough due diligence before extending credit or entering purchase agreements. Also, closely guard your personal information and monitor your credit reports and bank statements for unusual activity. Freeze your credit to help deter the unauthorized use of your identity.
3. Multi-Step and Long-Term Scams
Fraudsters are patient. Many scams unfold over months as criminals build trust and credibility. Investment scams promising exorbitant returns are a prime example. Fraudsters may create fake tracking portals to simulate investment activity, fostering a false sense of security. AI-driven deception will also rise – victims may believe they’re communicating with an old friend or business associate when, in reality, it’s a criminal using AI-generated audio or video.
Fraud-as-a-Service will make scams more accessible. For a fee, criminals can purchase kits on the dark web, complete with playbooks and step-by-step instructions.
Impersonating a “trusted partner” like a bank, attorney or investment advisor aids a fraudster in their deception and scam. Remember, Regions will never ask you for the combination of your User ID and Password!
Communications designed to direct a victim to a website with the appearance and characteristics of the legitimate site is a favorite tactic of fraudsters.
How to stop complex fraud schemes:
Foster a “fraud awareness” mindset. Scrutinize communications, websites, opportunities and offers carefully to avoid becoming a victim.
Fighting Back Through Education and Process
Expect 2026 to bring more technologically sophisticated schemes designed to deceive and steal. Businesses, organizations and individuals should strengthen payment, authentication and control processes. Educate family members who may be vulnerable. The more informed we are about attack vectors, the better we can recognize and avoid them.
Additional Resources from Regions.com
Related Fraud Prevention Articles from Doing More Today
The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud.