AI-enabled fraud causes rising corporate losses in Germany
A study by Allianz Trade reports that AI-enabled fraud losses among German companies have surged significantly in 2024-2025, with criminals using AI tools to impersonate executives and companies to manipulate employees into authorizing fraudulent transfers and orders.
What happened
According to a study by Allianz Trade published on 20 January 2026, corporate fraud losses in Germany have multiplied in recent years, with criminals increasingly using AI tools to deceive employees and manipulate them into transferring company funds.
The most common fraud schemes are now impersonation fraud (where criminals pose as existing companies to order goods on credit) and fake-president fraud (where criminals impersonate executives). Damages from fake-president fraud tripled in 2024 and rose another 81 percent in 2025 despite declining case numbers. Impersonation fraud damages more than doubled in 2025 with case numbers rising 61 percent.
Criminals use AI tools to write flawless emails and create deepfake voices and images, with specialized knowledge no longer required as such tools are readily available in the darknet.
Reported impact
Average damages currently range in single-digit millions of euros, with major losses reaching double-digit millions. Overall damages from social engineering fraud schemes rose 60 percent in 2025.
Index analysis
AI tools are reducing barriers to entry for fraud perpetrators by automating the creation of convincing communications and identity impersonations.
Governance controls
Companies attempt to keep pace with fraud methods through protective mechanisms, though experts note the gap between criminal innovation and corporate defences remains. Internal threats are cited as an often-underestimated danger, with insider fraud reportedly causing 60 percent of damages.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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