Ask Sumsubers: Which countries are least protected against fraud, and why?

This week, we released our Global Fraud Index, the first-ever in-depth study of 103 countries that provides a comprehensive overview of the risk of digital fraud. The Index reveals the underlying factors fueling fraud in different parts of the world, aiming to raise public awareness of root causes rather than focusing solely on numbers. According to the study, the top 10 countries least protected against digital fraud are Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Argentina, Ukraine, Brazil, Algeria, and Sri Lanka.

We excluded several high-risk countries listed on the FATF's blacklist and greylist. You can find out more about high-risk countries here. Other countries were removed due to incomplete data across our indicators.

Fraud is no longer limited to expert criminals.

New technologies have made committing fraud easier, reducing the need for specialized skills like coding or technical expertise. Fraudulent activities are now cheaper to execute, thanks to the rise of technologies and 'fraud-as-a-service' offerings that provide ready-made tools and tactics. These services allow even novice fraudsters to carry out attacks, making fraud more accessible and widespread.

These trends are more pronounced in developing countries facing economic instability. In such environments, individuals are often driven to engage in fraudulent activities as a means of financial survival, fueling the global increase in fraud.

You can find data-driven insights, explore interactive maps and infographics, and build country-specific comparisons here.

Julia Andreeva

Product Marketing Lead