- The documents generated by AI are replaced traditional counterfeits and bypass verification faster than ever
- Synthetic identity fraud increased from 195% worldwide, with Europe and North America
- Most frauds now occur after integration, using tips such as the stuffing of identification information and the usurpation of devices
The fraud of synthetic identity documents is now spreading at a global alarming rate, almost entirely caused by the abusive use of the generative AI, have warned the experts.
New data from SUMSUB said that the creation of false documents using AI increased by 195% worldwide between T1 2024 and T1 2025.
The most dramatic peak was recorded in Europe, where synthetic identification fraud increased by 378%, followed by North America (311%) and the MENA region (258%).
Traditional counterfeit declines
This trend seems to gain ground on the traditional counterfeit of documents, which has decreased sharply in most regions, lowering 82% in Africa and 50% in North America – with Europe with the exception, where traditional counterfeits increasing by 33%.
This change suggests that crooks pass from conventional techniques to identities generated by AI, which can now be produced in a few seconds using largely unregulated tools.
The industries most affected by this trend include crypto, trade, transport, fintech and games, all sectors that often count on rapid integration processes and may not yet have sufficiently strong guarantees to detect synthetic documents before damage.
Composing this vulnerability is the result of more than three quarters (76%) of fraud is now occurring after the integration stage, using methods such as the usurpation of the fingerprints of device, the stuffing of identification information and the so-called “Money Muling”.
“The rise of fraud generated by AI expose critical defects in traditional verification systems, and this data show that false sophisticated documents become a key tool in the arsenal of fraudster,” said Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, AI / ML chief at Sumsub.
“We expect companies like OpenAi to strengthen the guarantees to control the use of its programs to generate passports, identifiers and other personal documents.”
In addition to this trend is a spectacular increase in fraud linked to Deepfake, where North America experienced an astounding increase of 1 100% in such cases, Europe following 900%.
Nations such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany have seen the highest individual increases, which raises concerns concerning the future role of the visual media manipulated in identity fraud patterns.
For individuals and organizations trying to protect themselves, relying only on conventional KYC protocols may no longer suffice. Companies are advised to use identity management software and multilayer verification systems for stronger protection.
Consumers should also consider the best rated identity theft protection solutions, in particular those that monitor the use of synthetic identity. The use of deemed persons search tools can add an additional safety layer when checking unknown contacts or confirmation of someone’s legitimacy online.
