Mobile banking fraud on the rise

Cyberpeace Tech
7 days ago
2 min read

Digital fraud continues to grow and, according to the report Digital Banking Fraud Trends in Spain 2025, prepared by BioCatch, 80% of banking fraud now occurs on mobile devices. This represents a significant increase over the previous year and reflects how criminals are taking advantage of the widespread use of smartphones to carry out their attacks.

In Mexico, where the use of digital banking from cell phones is also becoming increasingly common, this situation serves as a warning.

Reliance on mobile devices can open the door to cybercriminals if adequate preventive measures are not in place.

Risk on Android and malware

The analysis warns that Android devices are more vulnerable to malware infections due to their high market penetration. In Spain, 70% of banking transactions are carried out on these devices, which has facilitated a “continuous wave” of fraud by malicious software in recent years.

The role of the user

One worrying aspect is that in more than half of cases, the user themselves authorizes the payment after being manipulated by criminals. These scams are usually carried out using social engineering techniques, where attackers do not need to breach systems, but rather convince the victim to give their consent.

Although there has been a decrease in account takeover fraud attempts thanks to stricter controls, scams that directly involve the victim continue to grow.

Growth in card fraud

The report also highlights that card fraud accounts for more than 30% of incidents. Many of these scams arise from the fraudulent registration of cards in digital wallets or authorized payments while the victim is on the phone with criminals impersonating financial institutions.

Classic scams and new threats

Investment scams, fake purchases, and fraudulent job offers continue to be the most common. However, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is enabling new, much more sophisticated methods of manipulation.

Behavioral biometrics as a solution

The report highlights a positive point: account takeover fraud was reduced by 52% thanks to the use of behavioral biometrics. This technology analyzes user behavior patterns to identify anomalies that may indicate an attempted fraud.

BioCatch promotes this approach, as it allows for the detection of invisible risk signals and the anticipation of attackers' movements, even when they use new devices or modify their techniques.

At Cyberpeace, we know that mobile banking fraud is one of today's main digital threats. Staying informed and adopting safe habits are key steps in protecting your finances and identity online. Want to learn more about cybersecurity and fraud prevention? Follow us on our social media channels and stay one step ahead.