Consumer SMS fraud losses are forecast to decline in 2026
Target Trend
Summary
Hide ▲
Show ▼
Consumer SMS fraud losses are forecast to fall in 2026, reducing risk for consumers as declining message volumes and stronger operator controls make fraudulent traffic harder to hide and monetize. The projected drop from $80bn in 2025 to $71bn in 2026 signals a measurable shift in the fraud environment even as smishing and account takeover remain active threats.
Related Happenings
Record crypto-fraud losses rise with AI-driven impersonation
Target Trend
First: 14.01.2026 12:00
Last: 14.01.2026 12:00
Sources 1
About this happening:
**Cryptocurrency fraud** is surging as scammers use **AI chatbots** and **brand impersonation** to widen victim reach and raise payout sizes. A **Malwarebytes Labs** analysis foun...
Record crypto-fraud losses rise with AI-driven impersonation
Target TrendAbout this happening: **Cryptocurrency fraud** is surging as scammers use **AI chatbots** and **brand impersonation** to widen victim reach and raise payout sizes. A **Malwarebytes Labs** analysis foun...
China-based groups selling phishing-as-a-service kits for mobile-points smishing
Threat Actor Meta
First: 05.12.2025 01:02
Last: 05.12.2025 01:02
Sources 1
About this happening:
Multiple **China-based cybercriminal groups** are selling **phishing-as-a-service platforms** that reuse the same scam infrastructure across **mobile points**, **tax-refund**, and...
China-based groups selling phishing-as-a-service kits for mobile-points smishing
Threat Actor MetaAbout this happening: Multiple **China-based cybercriminal groups** are selling **phishing-as-a-service platforms** that reuse the same scam infrastructure across **mobile points**, **tax-refund**, and...
China-based smishing and fake e-commerce phishing campaign
Campaign
First: 05.12.2025 01:02
Last: 05.12.2025 01:02
Sources 1
About this happening:
A **China-based phishing campaign** has escalated into mass-registered scam domains and **SMS lures** for rewards points, tax refunds, and fake retail deals, increasing risk for *...
China-based smishing and fake e-commerce phishing campaign
CampaignAbout this happening: A **China-based phishing campaign** has escalated into mass-registered scam domains and **SMS lures** for rewards points, tax refunds, and fake retail deals, increasing risk for *...
Smishing Triad Lighthouse SMS phishing campaign targeting mobile users
Campaign
First: 13.11.2025 16:47
Last: 13.11.2025 16:47
Sources 1
About this happening:
The **Smishing Triad** is running a **large-scale SMS phishing campaign** through **Lighthouse**, using trusted-brand impersonation to reach **millions of text messages** and more...
Smishing Triad Lighthouse SMS phishing campaign targeting mobile users
CampaignAbout this happening: The **Smishing Triad** is running a **large-scale SMS phishing campaign** through **Lighthouse**, using trusted-brand impersonation to reach **millions of text messages** and more...
Latest development: 14.11.2025 11:45
Google said Lighthouse, the phishing-as-a-service kit linked to the Smishing Triad, was used to launch 32,094 distinct US Postal Service (USPS) phishing websites from July 2023 through October 2024, and that at least 116 templates featured Google logos or branding while the operation targeted over one million people in over 121 countries.
Timeline
-
05.11.2025 12:15 2 articles · 6mo ago
Juniper Research forecasts 11% drop in consumer SMS fraud losses in 2026
Initial DisclosureJuniper Research forecasts consumer SMS fraud losses will fall 11% in 2026, from $80bn in 2025 to $71bn, as improved operator security and lower messaging volumes make fraudulent SMS traffic harder to conceal and less profitable. The firm says enhanced firewalls and deep content inspection will help operators detect malicious links and emerging fraud patterns in real time.
Show sources
- SMS Fraud Losses Set to Decline 11% in 2026 — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 05.11.2025 12:15
- SMS Fraud Losses Set to Decline 11% in 2026 — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 05.11.2025 12:15