Study Reveals 126% Increase in Deepfake Attacks in Brazil

A new report shows a 126% increase in deepfake attacks in Brazil, despite an overall decline in digital fraud. With a detection rate of only 0.9% of frauds detected in 2025, the country stands out in Latin America, but the new threat demands heightened attention from citizens and authorities.

The report is from the identity verification company Sumsub, which analyzed over 4 million fraud attempts globally. The research indicates that simple frauds are declining, while sophisticated ones using artificial intelligence are rapidly growing.

"We are now facing complete synthetic identities created by AI, which pass initial security tests," warns Alison Dorigão Palermo, a specialist from SumSub.

Accelerated Growth of Deepfakes

The deepfake technique employs AI tools to create realistic videos and audios, making facial recognition difficult. Synthetic identities combine true data with false information, complicating the verification process.

In Brazil alone, 39% of all deepfakes detected in Latin America originated there. Fintechs, banks, and betting platforms are among the sectors most affected by these attacks.

Brazil Excels in Fraud Detection

With a rate of 0.9%, Brazil outperforms countries like Colombia (2.6%), Argentina (3.8%), and Chile (1.4%). This result is attributed to three factors:

• Strict regulation from the Central Bank for KYC (Know Your Customer).
• Effective AML (Anti-Money Laundering) frameworks.
• Widespread adoption of biometrics in digital processes.

However, this sophistication allows criminals to seek new operating methods: "It is a digital arms race that will not stop," the report states.

Challenge of Document Multiplicity

Brazil faces a unique difficulty: the variety of identity documents. An individual may possess up to five different official documents. If each state has its own registry, this number can reach 30.

Palermo emphasizes: "This situation complicates KYC and identity processes, which represents a critical vulnerability that needs to be addressed."

Expectations for 2026

Advancements in artificial intelligence are expected to transform digital security in 2026, bringing new challenges and requirements for fraud prevention. Three areas should be monitored:

Synthetic Identities and Autonomous AI

An expansion of synthetic identities is anticipated. Experts predict that fraud prevention will increasingly rely on behavioral and contextual signals rather than simple detections.

Money Mule Networks

Money mule networks, while known, are expected to become more sophisticated by 2026. Sectors with a high number of users, like finance and e-commerce, will continue to be targets for illicit movements.

New Non-Doc Verification Model

Document-less identity verification, or Non-Doc, which has already shown an annual growth of 338%, uses government databases to validate identities, improving security and reducing bureaucratic processes.

Digital security requirements will continue to grow as technologies evolve, demanding constant adaptations of fraud combat strategies.

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