AI-Driven Scams Rise 27% in Mexico Ahead of El Buen Fin

As El Buen Fin 2025 approaches, experts warn of a significant increase in digital fraud, with cybercriminals increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to craft sophisticated, harder-to-detect scams. Data from Sumsub, an identity verification firm, shows that digital fraud in Mexico rose 27% in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

The most alarming trend is the use of synthetic identity documents, which jumped 1,200% in Mexico, far exceeding the global average of 195%—a sign that fraudsters are rapidly adopting advanced tools.

High Stakes for E-commerce and Banking

Nearly eight in 10 Mexican internet users plan to shop during El Buen Fin, according to the Mexican Association of Online Sales (AMVO), heightening risks to personal and financial data.

Sumsub reported that organized attacks are increasingly targeting traditional banking (up 149%) and e-commerce (up 106%). Many platforms relax security controls during peak shopping periods to boost conversions, creating openings for fraudsters to exploit heavy traffic and lower oversight.

Miguel González, of Sumsub México, said that advanced biometric verification systems capable of detecting real biological signals—without adding friction to the user experience—are key to combating AI-driven scams. Deepfake fraud, which uses AI-generated video and audio to bypass biometric systems, surged 1,100% in North America this year.

Common AI-Enhanced Scams

The main fraud schemes expected during El Buen Fin include:

• Identity Falsification (Onboarding Fraud): Using forged documents or impersonation bots to bypass verification systems.

• Deepfakes: AI-generated audio and video used to deceive biometric systems and impersonate identities.

• Synthetic Profiles and Documents: Combining real and fake data to create credible-looking identities; cases up 311%.

• Phishing and Vishing: Fake emails, messages, or calls posing as banks or retailers to steal sensitive information.

• Cloned Websites and Stores: Counterfeit pages mimicking legitimate retailers to collect card data.

• Trap Offers and Ghost Returns: Fraudulent ads offering unrealistic discounts or fake refunds to obtain financial information.

Security Measures for Businesses and Consumers

For companies, integrating intelligent security controls—such as AI-powered biometrics—is essential to prevent fraud without hurting conversion rates.

Consumers are advised to:

• Enable multi-factor authentication.

• Avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal data via messages or calls.

• Be cautious of unexpected calls or videos, which may use AI to mimic real voices or faces.

• Monitor bank statements regularly.

• Use strong, unique passwords.

• Verify website security by checking for the “https://” padlock and avoiding unusual URLs.