New Experian Report Reveals AI Trust Gap as Consumers Embrace AI but Resist High-stakes Decisions

Nearly 1 in 5 people experienced online fraud losses, while 80% of businesses are using AI to combat emerging threats

COSTA MESA, Calif., August 19, 2026--Experian®, a global data and technology company, today released its 11th annual Identity and Fraud Report, highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the digital economy while simultaneously creating new opportunities for fraud. The findings point to a growing challenge for businesses: building trust in an economy where both people and AI agents are increasingly participating in digital transactions.

The report found 31% of consumers have already used AI tools to shop and transact online, and another 23% would consider doing so. However, confidence drops sharply for higher-stakes decisions with just 21% comfortable relying on AI for completing travel-related purchases and only 17% for financial services decisions. Meanwhile, more than half of people say they're concerned about AI-enabled scams, underscoring the trust challenges that could shape the next phase of AI adoption.

"AI is transforming digital interactions in ways that are creating both exciting opportunities and new risks," said Kathleen Peters, Chief Innovation Officer at Experian. "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."

Fraud losses continue to climb

Consumers reported $15.9 billion in fraud losses in 2025, up 27% from the previous year, according to the FTC. The actual losses are likely much higher as many fraud cases go unreported. Experian's research found that nearly 1 in 5 people suffered personal financial losses from online fraud in the past year, and another 15% say fraud was attempted but prevented. Seventy-two percent of victims say the experience left them feeling more vulnerable online. Phishing scams were the most common consumer fraud incident reported (26%), followed by fake advertising (19%), package delivery scams (16%), credit card theft (16%), unauthorized charges (15%) and fraudulent bank transactions (15%).

Businesses are feeling the impact as well, with 60% reporting fraud losses are somewhat or significantly higher than previous years, and 77% expect fraud management budgets to increase.

AI creates both opportunity and risk