Grant Macdonald’s, Director of Financial Crime at Experian
The fraud landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by rising cyber-attacks, advancements in artificial intelligence, and increasingly sophisticated scams. In fact, our latest Experian UK Fraud and Fincrime Report 2024 shows that in 2023, fraud volumes surged by 9.3% in the UK, with third-party fraud being the most prevalent. Over half of businesses also reported increased fraud losses, and seven out of ten businesses anticipate their fraud management budgets will grow throughout 2024.[VC1]
What this shows is the relentless pressure fraud teams in businesses are under and highlights the urgent need for robust fraud prevention strategies and a proactive and adaptive approach to fighting fraud.
So, how can financial institutions stay ahead in the fight against fraud in 2024?
- Adapting strategies to increased digital adoption by consumers
Recent Experian research highlights that digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, with mobile wallet usage surging from 54% to 77%, retail app usage climbing from 36% to 76%, and over 80% of shoppers now using peer-to-peer payment apps. However, despite this shift towards digital convenience, concerns about online fraud remain significant. Identity theft, phishing scams, and stolen credit card information are among the top worries. Alarmingly, 66% of respondents are now concerned about identity theft, up from 58% in 2022.
To address these concerns, businesses should enhance security measures with multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular audits. Educating consumers on recognising and avoiding common fraud tactics is vital. Leveraging AI and machine learning can help detect and prevent fraudulent activities in real-time, while improving user experience ensures that security measures do not compromise convenience. Additionally, businesses should continuously monitor and adapt to the latest fraud trends and technologies to stay ahead of fraudsters, ensuring robust protection for their consumers.
- Continue to invest and leverage AI for fraud prevention
AI technologies are becoming indispensable in modern fraud prevention. While investment in AI-powered measures is on the rise, our fraud report shows the adoption of machine learning and generative AI tools remains modest. However, this trend is expected to shift soon, as businesses recognise the imperative to outpace fraudsters employing advanced AI techniques into 2025. In addition, businesses recognise the impact on overall growth and innovation with our latest report, Experian TechUK GenAI Rating Momentum report highlighting that generative AI specifically could add up to £120 billion to the UK economy annually over the next decade.
Interestingly, when looking at specific technologies, physical biometrics are gaining traction, with 84% of businesses in our research preferring methods such as facial recognition and fingerprint scans. Yet, behavioural biometrics, which analyse patterns like typing speed and touch pressure, are underutilised despite their proven effectiveness. Currently, only 25% of businesses invest in behavioural biometrics, though 79% express high confidence in its potential. We believe integrating behavioural biometrics can significantly reduce false positives and enhance the accuracy of fraud detection systems. Therefore, businesses should consider making it a crucial investment for future-proofing security measures as soon as possible.
- Address money mules and money laundering
Money muling and laundering remain considerable challenges. Money mules, who transfer illegally obtained money, are critical in financial crime networks. Our report shows that 42% of first-party current account fraud involves money muling, often being perpetrated by younger adults with poor credit scores who may be the complicit victims of mule herders. Money laundering losses are rising, with nearly two-thirds of retail banks and 52% of businesses reporting increases. Over 53% of businesses plan to boost their Anti-Money Laundering (AML) budgets in 2024, driven by regulatory changes and the need for stronger anti-fraud measures.
To tackle money muling and laundering, businesses should enhance employee training, strengthen customer due diligence, and invest in advanced technology to detect suspicious activities. Collaborating with law enforcement and increasing AML budgets are also crucial. Regular audits and public awareness campaigns can further mitigate risks. These strategies will help businesses comply with regulations and protect their financial integrity.
4. Future-proof fraud strategies
A unified approach is fundamental in the fight against fraud. Integrating fraud and AML teams can enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Sharing data and coordinating responses across units can significantly improve an organisation’s ability to tackle financial crime. Strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders is key to achieving this. Consumer education is also vital; raising awareness about fraud types can empower people to protect themselves.
Ultimately it is crystal clear that as fraud tactics evolve, businesses need to be proactive, vigilant and to adapt their fraud strategies as well. This will include investing in advanced technologies, educating consumers, and fostering collaboration among fraud prevention units to help safeguard and navigate the ever-changing landscape of financial crime. As we head into 2025, there is no time to lose so businesses should act without delay.
