Reported losses from deepfake scams in 2026 have already exceeded last year's full-year total by 263%, according to blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs, underscoring a growing crypto security problem in which attackers manipulate authorized users rather than break blockchain code.
TRM Labs' new AI-in-Crime Adoption Index classifies scams as the only crypto-crime category where artificial intelligence has reached a "Mature" level of adoption. The firm said reports involving scammer-side use of AI, including deepfakes, chatbots and AI-powered lures, have risen roughly 13-fold since 2022.
The trend highlights a shift in how attackers target crypto users. Instead of exploiting vulnerabilities in smart contracts or blockchain infrastructure, scammers are increasingly focused on convincing legitimate, authorized users to act on their behalf, exposing a weakness that traditional smart-contract security measures do not address.
Key findings from TRM Labs
- Deepfake scam losses in 2026 already exceed 2025's total by 263%
- Scams are the only crypto-crime category rated "Mature" for AI adoption
- AI-powered scam reports, including deepfakes and chatbots, have increased roughly 13-fold since 2022
