News Item

1 in 4 Europeans are victims of online fraud

Close up young woman hands holding credit card
Phushutter / Adobestock.com
Online fraud affects 1 in 4 Europeans, according to recent survey data from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). Fake goods or services and impersonation scams are common. FRA’s findings aim to shape responses on how best to prevent online fraud and to support victims, in line with their fundamental rights.

FRA’s paper ‘Online fraud - people's experiences across the EU’ highlights the concerns of over 26,000 people surveyed across the EU about their experiences of online fraud. It found that:

  • 24% of people have been tricked by instant messages or emails into transferring money, paying for fake goods or services, or giving away personal data.
  • 30% of 25-39 year olds are victims of fraud, more than other age groups.

Among those who said they were victims of online fraud:

  • 35% were tricked into buying fake goods or services, the most common type of online fraud.
  • 25% were tricked into transferring money by fraudsters pretending to be a family member, a business or work contact (24%), or bank representative (22%).
  • 20% were subject to investment scams.
  • 37% were tricked by more than one type of fraud.
  • Only 15% reported their experience of fraud to the police.

The threat of online fraud is addressed through the EU’s Internal Security Strategy (ProtectEU), Online Fraud Action Plan and ongoing revisions to the Victims’ Rights Directive. 

FRA’s survey findings contribute to ongoing discussions on how to address the challenges victims of online fraud face in practice when seeking to exercise their rights to justice.The forthcoming EU Strategy on victims' rights aims to better protect and support victims of digital fraud.

The survey was carried out in November 2025, and the findings feed into FRA’s wider work on justice for victims of online fraud.