Artificial intelligence is making online accounts more vulnerable to fraud after they are set up. A recent report highlights that trying to break into an existing account using AI is now much more common than creating fake identities from the start.
The shift means that people who already have online accounts face a higher risk. Scammers are using advanced AI technology to target these existing accounts for fraudulent activities.
This new threat is becoming prevalent in West Africa. The focus has moved away from using fake documents to create fraudulent identities.
Instead, fraudsters are concentrating on taking over accounts that are already in use. This is often done by bypassing security measures during the account login process.
The report indicates that two out of every three fraud attempts are now aimed at the biometric verification stage. This is when systems check fingerprints or faces to confirm identity.
These findings come from the 2026 Digital Identity Fraud Report. This report was released on Thursday by Smile ID, a company working on digital identity solutions in Africa.
The report analyzes current trends in digital identity fraud. It aims to inform individuals and businesses about growing risks.
Understanding these changing tactics is important for everyone online. It helps in taking better steps to protect personal information and accounts from AI-powered attacks.