Generation Z: The Age Group Most Affected by Digital Scams, Says TransUnion

Generation Z and Digital Scams: A Study by TransUnion

A recent study by TransUnion reveals that Generation Z is the age group most likely to report financial losses due to digital fraud. According to the research, 39% of Generation Z respondents reported losing money. The losses were attributed to email, online, phone, and text message scams in the past year. This is significantly higher than the 26% among consumers surveyed in 18 countries and regions.

In Brazil, the situation is also alarming. In fact, 33% of Generation Z respondents stated they had suffered financial losses due to fraud. This is the highest percentage among all generations, while the national average was 24%.

Why is Generation Z More Vulnerable?

Growing up using the internet, social media, and apps from childhood has not made younger consumers less vulnerable. They are still susceptible to digital scams. On the contrary, the result challenges a common belief that those born into a digital world would be naturally better prepared to identify online fraud. In practice, what happens may be quite the opposite.

Generation Z is among the most active groups online. They shop online, use payment apps, and spend significant time on social media. Additionally, they play on digital platforms and manage many aspects of their daily lives through their smartphones. The more digital interactions, the greater the number of opportunities for fraud. Therefore, scammers attempt to execute scams more frequently.

Types of Digital Frauds

Among the types of fraud that Generation Z reported losing money to, trust-based fraud stands out. For example, scams involving third-party sellers on legitimate e-commerce sites account for 27%. Another notable scam is the so-called "money mule" scam. In these cases, individuals allow their bank accounts to be used for third-party financial transactions. Often, they do not fully understand the risks or legal implications involved.

The Evolution of Scams and User Trust

According to Wallace Massola, Head of Fraud Prevention Solutions at TransUnion Brazil, the main takeaway is that familiarity with technology should not be confused with protection against fraud. "Scams are changing. Many fraudsters have stopped trying to hack systems and have started investing in strategies that exploit people's trust. They use messages, offers, social media approaches, and contacts that seem legitimate to convince the victim to share information or take action," says Massola.

For the executive, the sophistication of scams means that the current challenge goes beyond technical knowledge. "Today, the most successful scams are not necessarily the most complex from a technological standpoint. Often, they are the ones that manage to appear genuine. Therefore, protection increasingly depends on a combination of digital education, technology, and mechanisms capable of identifying risky behaviors throughout the online journey," he explains.

The results reinforce a trend observed globally. Digital fraud is increasingly linked to the exploitation of user trust. Instead of seeking vulnerabilities only in systems or devices, criminals aim to convince individuals themselves. They lead them to share data, authorize transactions, or grant access.

In this context, understanding how different generations behave in the digital environment becomes essential. This allows companies, consumers, and platforms to reduce risks and build safer experiences.

TransUnion Solutions for Fraud Prevention

To support companies in this journey, TransUnion Brazil organizes its fraud prevention efforts around four complementary pillars:

• Invisible authentications;
• Anti-fraud intelligence;
• Know Your Customer (KYC), compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), and reputational analysis;
• Enrichment and data validation.

These operate at different decision layers. These layers help companies reduce fraud, meet regulatory requirements, improve data quality, and protect the customer experience throughout the entire journey.

Study Methodology

TransUnion reached its conclusions about digital fraud based on a global survey. This survey involved 12,730 consumers in 18 countries and regions, conducted from November 20 to December 9, 2025. Additionally, information from its range of fraud prevention solutions was utilized.

One thousand people were surveyed in Brazil. This took place from November 20 to December 5, 2025, as part of the global survey.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.