Filipino consumers are entering the holiday shopping season with growing fears of mobile fraud, fueled by the rapid rise of AI. A new survey from Appdome shows that identity theft, synthetic fraud, and AI-driven scams are now the top reasons people abandon mobile apps during peak shopping periods.
The report highlights that 43.4% of Filipinos fear identity fraud most when shopping on mobile. Nearly three out of four users say they delete or stop using apps over security concerns. About 34% report being victims, or knowing victims, of social engineering scams.
AI is reshaping fraud tactics. Deepfake payment approvals, voice phishing, and bot-driven account takeovers are becoming common. While 67% of respondents see AI as an opportunity, 33% view it as a threat. Most expect apps to block AI-powered attacks, but only 60% feel confident that apps can actually do so.
Consumers also want prevention, not reimbursement. More than 86% say fraud should be stopped before it happens. Almost half believe app makers, not devices or carriers, are responsible for protection. Privacy remains a priority, with 70% rating it as very important and 15% refusing to use apps without clear safeguards.
Industry data shows fraud attempts spike by up to four times during Cyber Week. With record mobile spending expected, the pressure is on app developers to show visible defenses.
Trust can shift quickly toward apps that demonstrate strong protection. According to the survey, users are more likely to recommend or promote apps that visibly safeguard them during high-risk shopping periods.
Also Read: Over half of Filipinos hit by online scams, GSMA study shows
In any case, findings underline a clear message: consumers want proof of security before they spend, and AI is raising the stakes for mobile platforms.
