Citizens consider artificial intelligence scams more dangerous than viruses

A survey of 1,000 U.S. adults finds 62% rate AI-powered scams as a more significant threat than traditional malware.

Beyond the sentiment, the data reveals a high attack frequency, with 80% of respondents targeted via calls or emails weekly.

Security analysts highlight that contemporary scam campaigns increasingly rely on social engineering and malicious web infrastructure rather than traditional file-based payloads, changing how professionals approach user-facing security education.

What does the research show?

CNET Group conducted an online survey of 1.000 adults in the United States between September 9 and 12, 2026, using the Suzy Insights platform. 62% of respondents agreed that AI-based scams are more dangerous than traditional malware.

This concern is directly related to everyday life. More than eight in ten participants said they receive suspicious calls or emails at least once a week. At the same time, more than 76% said they receive corresponding text messages with the same frequency or more often.

The economic dimension and new methods

Total global losses from fraud were estimated at $442 billion, with citizens in the United States losing an estimated $21 billion in 2025.

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Retired man loses $400.000 in months-long phone scam

As security experts note, users no longer have to download a dangerous file to their device to lose money or lose control of their accounts. Research shows that malicious websites are now the main way scams are spread, surpassing emails and text messages.

Indicative of the seriousness of modern frauds is the example of a 77-year-old retired nurse, who lost $400.000 of her life savings after falling victim to a weeks-long fraud in which the perpetrators impersonated other people.

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