“`html
Deepfakes and AI Fuel Evolving Online Threats, But Scam Rates See Historic Drop
Table of Contents
A notable decline in online scam victimization rates was observed in 2025, but cybersecurity experts warn that increasingly refined threats – notably those leveraging deepfakes and artificial intelligence – demand heightened vigilance. The National Cybersecurity Association reports a marked improvement in scam prevention, even as criminals adapt their tactics.
A Rare Decline in Online Fraud
In a surprising turn, the number of individuals falling victim to online scams decreased substantially in 2025 compared to the previous year. A survey of approximately 555 respondents conducted by the National Cybersecurity Association revealed a scam rate of just 0.18%, or one in 555 peopel. This represents a dramatic improvement from 2024, when the rate stood at 0.45% – approximately one in 220 participants. This is the first time in recent years that online fraud has demonstrated a downward trend.
the Rise of Deepfake Deception
Despite the overall decline in victimization, the nature of online threats is becoming more complex. According to the National Cybersecurity Association, cybercriminals are increasingly utilizing deepfake technology – remarkably realistic, AI-generated images, videos, and audio – to impersonate individuals. These fabricated media files can convincingly mimic acquaintances, government officials, and financial representatives, making them exceptionally difficult to detect without robust digital literacy and current information.
“Online scams remain extremely complex,” a senior official at the National Cybersecurity association stated. “Users must continue to raise their awareness and vigilance.”
AI-Powered Malware and Data Exploitation
The advancement of artificial intelligence isn’t limited to deceptive impersonations. It’s also empowering criminals to create more sophisticated malware with greater ease. This allows for automated distribution, circumvention of conventional security measures, and highly targeted attacks against specific user groups.
Moreover, experts caution that previously compromised personal data continues to be exploited by criminal networks. Strengthening public understanding of digital security, alongside improvements to legal frameworks and data protection capabilities, is paramount to mitigating these risks.
New Legislation aims to Bolster Data Protection
Looking ahead to 2026, new legislation is expected to strengthen personal data protection.The enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Law and the Cybersecurity Law 2025 will place greater responsibility on organizations and businesses to secure user data. These laws will require companies to invest in cybersecurity measures commensurate with the volume of data they collect, store, and process.
Persistent Scam Tactics and Vulnerable Investors
even with the overall decline in scam rates, familiar tactics remain prevalent. These include impersonating authorities or organizations, offering fake prizes, posing as delivery personnel or acquaintances, employing romantic manipulation, and promoting fraudulent investment opportunities. Impersonation of police officers was the most frequently reported scam scenario in 2025.
“Online scammers are constantly looking for new technologies and even experimenting with new tactics to bypass detection,” warned Vu Ngoc Son, Head of Technology at the National Cybersecurity Association. “The threat to users in the digital space remains vrey real.”
Cryptocurrency investors have emerged as a particularly vulnerable group, facing aggressive targeting by cybercriminals. data from the Ministry of Public Security indicates that online scams caused an estimated 6,000
