AI agents in digital transactions are challenging businesses attempting to build trust because the technology is a significant target for fraudsters, according to Experian’s 11th-annual Identity and Fraud Report.
More than half of people surveyed say they’re concerned about AI-enabled scams, which Experian says underscores the trust challenges that could shape the next phase of AI adoption.
Experian’s research indicated that nearly one-third (31%) of consumers have already used AI tools to shop and transact online, though a lower percentage (21%) are comfortable with AI for travel-related purchases and even less (17%) for financial transactions.
The caution is understandable: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) figures show that consumers reported $15.9 billion in fraud losses in 2025, up 27% from the previous year. The actual figure is likely higher because many fraud cases go unreported.
According to Experian, nearly one in five people suffered personal financial losses from online fraud in the past year, and another 15% say fraud was attempted but prevented.
Nearly three quarters (72%) of victims say the experience left them feeling more vulnerable online.
The most common types of consumer fraud were:
- Phishing scams (26%)
- Fake advertising (19%)
- Package delivery scams (16%)
- Credit card theft (16%)
- Unauthorized charges (15%)
- Fraudulent bank transactions (15%).
It’s not just a consumer problem. Among businesses:
- Sixty percent report fraud losses are somewhat or significantly higher than previous years
- Seventy-seven percent expect fraud management budgets to increase.
“AI is transforming digital interactions in ways that are creating both exciting opportunities and new risks,” Experian Chief Innovation Officer Kathleen Peters said in a prepared statement. “As we move toward a human-not-present era where consumers increasingly rely on AI to help make decisions on their behalf, the organizations that will succeed will be the ones that make trust visible. Establishing identity and trust, whether for a person or an AI agent, is essential to every digital interaction.”