Technologies

Study Finds Phishing Scams Are on the Rise, Accelerated by AI

Web-based phishing and spoofing reports increased by over 85% year over year.

You’re probably all too familiar with the words «potential spam» or «suspicious activity detected» or even a pop-up in Gmail that reads, «This message might be dangerous.» That’s because we are all potential victims of phishing, spoofing and other online scams at all times. According to a new report from the National Consumers League, phishing and spoofing scams increased by over 85%, and the average financial losses caused by such scams have more than doubled, from $1,000 to $2,060.

Generative AI has been integral to the growing number of attacks, which are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. The US Federal Trade Commission reported that Americans lost over $12 billion due to consumer fraud attacks and scams in 2024, a 25% year-over-year increase. These losses are only expected to grow as scams become more convincing, enabled by AI tools that allow scammers to clone voices, create deepfakes, localize messages and personalize the language used in scam emails, texts and social media posts.

«Given widespread evidence that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to craft better pitches, the rise in phishing complaints is particularly concerning,» John Breyault, the NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud, said in a statement.

Notably, 48% of the 1,376 complaints analyzed by the NCL report involved online scam attempts, marking a distinct shift away from phone scams as the primary method used by attackers.

Young people are vulnerable

There are widespread assumptions that younger people (Millennials and Gen Z) are less likely to be affected by web-based, AI-powered scams because of their digital literacy. While it is true that older adults, age 56 and above, account for more than a third (37.94%) of the complaints, younger adults are also targeted at increasing rates.

The NCL found that millennials accounted for 39.8% of total fraud complaints, and complaints from adults aged 26 to 35 increased by 68.1% year over year.

How to protect yourself online in 2026

While web-based and AI-generated scam attempts are rising and becoming more sophisticated, there are ways to protect yourself online. The NCL says to watch out for anything that seems too good to be true, and suggests familiarizing yourself with popular scam methods, such as fake check scams, fake prize and sweepstakes scams, internet merchandise scams and investment scams.

The Consumer Federation of America, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting American consumers, also recommends that you remain vigilant and question unexpected calls, texts or emails, as well as any messages that have a sense of urgency or threats. For instance, be wary of messages that include language like «act now» or «your account will be locked.»

The CFA also urges you to independently verify communications or individuals by researching phone numbers, names, websites and purported businesses rather than trusting caller ID, links or contact information.

If you suspect you have been a victim of a scam attempt, report it to authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im