- AI-Generated documents replace traditional forgeries and bypass verification faster than ever imagined
- Synthetic identity fraud has risen 195% globally, with Europe and North America hardest hit
- Most fraud now happens after onboarding, using tricks like legitimation filling and device spoofing
Synthetic identity documentary is now spreading at an alarming pace globally, driven almost exclusively by the abuse of generative AI, experts have warned.
New data from SUMSUB has claimed the creation of fake documents using AI grew by 195% worldwide between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025.
The most dramatic spike was registered in Europe, where synthetic ID -fraud increased by 378%, followed by North America (311%) and the Mena region (258%).
Traditional forgery falls
This trend seems to win a place on traditional document falsification, which has dropped sharply in most regions, fell by 82% in Africa and 50% in North America – with Europe the exception, with traditional forgeries increasing by 33%.
This shift suggests that scammers move from conventional techniques to AI-generated identities, which can now be produced in seconds using largely unregulated tools.
The industries most affected by this trend include crypto, trade, transport, fintech and games, all sectors that often depend on fast on board processes and may not yet have strong enough protective measures to detect synthetic documents before damage is performed.
Connection of this vulnerability is the fact that over three quarters (76%) of fraud now occur after the onboarding phase using methods such as unit fingerprint poofing, credentials and so-called “Money Muling.”
“The emergence of AI-generated fraud exposes critical deficiencies in traditional verification systems, and this data shows that sophisticated fake documents become a key tool in the scammer’s arsenal,” said Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, head of AI/ML at SumSub.
“We expect companies like Openai to strengthen protective measures to control the use of its programs to generate passports, IDs and other personal documents.”
Parallel to this trend is a dramatic increase in deep-fake-related fraud, with North America saw a staggering 1,100% increase in such cases, with Europe after 900%.
Nations like Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany saw the highest individual waves, which raised concerns about the future role, manipulated visual media in identity fraud.
For individuals and organizations trying to protect themselves, it is no longer enough to rely on conventional KYC protocols. Companies are advised to use identity management software and multi -layer verification systems for stronger protection.
Consumers should also consider top-classified ID-the-the-the-the-the-way protection solutions, especially those that monitor synthetic identity use. Using reputable people’s search tools can add an additional layer of security when verifying unknown contacts or confirming someone’s legitimacy online.
