Fraud tactics, according to a new report, have been accelerated by emerging technologies such as generative AI, deepfakes, and insider-assisted schemes.
Most fraud cases in Africa involved spoofing last year, according to the 2025 Digital Identity Fraud in Africa Report by Know Your Customer (KYC) provider, Smile ID.
In the context of identity verification and biometric authentication, spoofing refers to the act of presenting fake biometric data, such as a photo or video of someone’s face, fingerprints, or voice, to trick the system into accepting it as genuine.
The report, which analyzed over 110 million identity verification checks across the continent, reveals a sophisticated web of fraud tactics exploiting vulnerabilities in fintech platforms and digital ecosystems.
West Africa emerged as the hotspot for biometric fraud with the highest incidents of spoofing and face-match inconsistencies.
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East Africa led in document fraud cases, with a combined rejection rate of 27%.
Central Africa, up by 3%, saw a slight increase in rejected identity verification attempts, with rates climbing to 22%. Meanwhile, Southern Africa experienced a sharp increase, with rejection rates soaring from 9% to 21%, pointing to a surge in fraud attempts linked to the phasing out of the green ID book, a formerly widely-used identity document.
The widespread adoption of biometric verification has strengthened fraud prevention, but also driven fraudsters to develop more sophisticated attack methods.
The report found that fraudulent activities peaked between 7PM and 3AM GMT, with a surge in attacks at 11PM GMT. This suggests that fraudsters are most active during nighttime hours.
“As fraud becomes more sophisticated, KYC solutions must evolve. Machine learning and predictive analytics enable real-time detection of unusual patterns, while automation and adaptability will define the future of KYC. By combining precision and speed, businesses can prevent fraud effectively while ensuring a smooth, secure experience for legitimate users,” Mark Straub, CEO of Smile ID, shares with FORBES AFRICA.
Straub also reiterates the importance of protecting people and integrations from threats of fraud.
“Implementing SOC2 and ISO 27001 security training, device management, and audits can help prevent fraud,” he advises.
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