Cybercrime Southeast Europe Newsletter No. 84
What to Expect in 2026: Trends in Global Financial Scams
Dear Clients,
As 2025 comes to a close, it is useful to review the financial and digital scam trends that marked the past year and consider what may be expected in 2026.
During 2025, the most common scams included:
- Fake prize draws and “holiday giveaways” on social media and messaging apps, especially during holiday periods when the perception of “quick gains” is heightened.
- Cryptocurrency scams and fake investment platforms, where victims were attracted by high returns and promises of fast fund recovery.
- Phishing emails and fake messages from banks and services attempting to collect personal and financial information.
- Fraudulent apps and fake QR codes, often distributed through popular mobile platforms and designed to mimic legitimate services.
Trends expected in 2026 include:
- Increased sophistication of scams – fraudsters will use more convincing website simulations, fake documents, and professional campaigns to deceive users.
- Multi-channel approaches – scams will combine social media, SMS, email, and messaging apps to create a sense of legitimacy and trust.
- Targeted attacks on specific groups – fraudsters will use data on previous transactions or interests to increase the likelihood of success.
- Automation and AI tools – artificial intelligence and algorithms will be used to generate realistic messages, chatbots, and fake profiles.
How to protect yourself:
- Always verify links directly on the official website of the company or platform.
- Never provide credit card details for participation in a prize draw or investment offer.
- Save all messages, links, and screenshots if you suspect a scam.
- Be especially cautious during holiday periods and whenever something “seems too good to be true.”
Patience, vigilance, and systematically documenting all communications and transactions remain your best protection against financial fraud, while authorities and legal teams work to identify scammers and recover funds.
Kind regards,
Attorney Zoran Miljaković