A payment can reach the intended account and still be part of a scam. The US Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, based on reports received by the agency. These scams were the most reported fraud category that year. [1]

The figures describe reported losses, not the full cost of every scam, and they should not be presented as a global estimate. They nevertheless give fintech teams a concrete reason to think beyond whether a transaction is technically valid. A convincing request from a supposed organisation or trusted person can lead a customer to authorise a harmful payment.

Useful design questions include where to place a warning, how to offer independent verification and whether customers can quickly reach support. Warnings should explain the suspicious situation in plain language, rather than forcing people through generic security text. Consumers can also pause when a message demands urgent payment and contact the organisation through a channel they independently know. Trust depends on helping people assess who is asking for money before the transaction happens.