As online crime increases at an alarming rate, these parts of the world are prime targets for cybercriminals, data shows
Key Findings:
- Cybercrime is surging worldwide, with the U.S., U.K., and Canada reporting the highest number of online fraud complaints
- Countries with high digital dependency and strong financial sectors are prime targets for cybercriminals exploiting phishing scams, ransomware, and identity theft
- Experts stress that proactive cybersecurity investments, such as AI-driven fraud detection and public awareness initiatives, can reduce long-term financial and reputational harm
Online crime is multiplying at an unprecedented rate, costing the global economy billions each year. Cybercrime damages are projected to reach a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from just $3 trillion in 2015, making it one of the biggest economic threats of the digital age.
Fueled by increasingly sophisticated scams powered by artificial intelligence, including deep fake frauds, AI-generated phishing attacks, and advanced social engineering tactics that exploit human trust, scammers can now convincingly impersonate CEOs, government officials, and even loved ones with hyper-realistic voices and videos.
“As digital deception evolves, individuals, businesses, and governments face a growing battle against cybercriminals who are constantly refining their methods,” says Michael Moore, the Chief Information Officer at Next Perimeter, a leading cloud-first cybersecurity company.
Michael and the team at Next Perimeter have analyzed data from a government report to identify global cybercrime trends, highlighting the top countries most affected by online scams and examining the factors that contribute to their vulnerability.
The study
Data was sourced from the IC3 Annual Internet Crime Complaint Report, focusing on the top countries that filed international scam complaints based on the total number of reports per nation. By ranking these figures in descending order, the analysis provided a clear overview of the regions most affected by online scams worldwide.
TABLE 1: TOP 10 COUNTRIES REPORTING THE MOST ONLINE SCAMS
| Rank | Country | Number of complaints |
| 1 | United States | 521652 |
| 2 | United Kingdom | 288355 |
| 3 | Canada | 6601 |
| 4 | India | 3405 |
| 5 | Nigeria | 1779 |
| 6 | France | 1614 |
| 7 | Australia | 1576 |
| 8 | Germany | 1571 |
| 9 | Philippines | 1510 |
| 10 | Brazil | 1305 |
The Top 5 Rankings
With 521,652 reported complaints, the U.S. is the most affected country by online fraud. Its vast digital economy, high financial transaction volume, and widespread adoption of online services make it a lucrative target for cybercriminals.
The sheer number of users engaging in e-commerce, banking, and cryptocurrency trading increases exposure to scams, phishing attacks, and data breaches. Additionally, the U.S. hosts major tech companies, making it a hotspot for cyber espionage and ransomware attacks.
“Countries with high digital dependency must invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity measures, or they risk becoming prime targets for online criminals,” says Michael.
Ranking second with 288,355 complaints, the UK’s prominence in global finance makes it particularly vulnerable to cyber fraud. The country has witnessed a surge in sophisticated scams, including deepfake-driven financial fraud, investment scams, and identity theft.
The rapid shift to cashless transactions and digital banking has also expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. While the UK has stringent cybersecurity laws, criminals continually exploit vulnerabilities in consumer awareness and outdated business protections.
With 6,601 reported online crime cases, Canada’s smaller population size compared to the U.S. and UK makes its ranking notable. Canadians rely heavily on digital platforms for financial services, shopping, and communication, creating ample opportunities for cybercriminals.
A growing concern is the rise of phishing scams that exploit trust in government services and financial institutions. Despite its advanced infrastructure, Canada faces challenges in adapting to evolving cyber threats, particularly in rural areas with less cybersecurity awareness.
“A nation’s cybersecurity defenses are only as strong as its weakest link—public awareness is just as critical as government regulations,” warns Michael.
India reported 3,405 online crime complaints, a number that is rapidly increasing as the country accelerates its digital transformation. With a massive rise in mobile internet users and online payments, scammers exploit digital illiteracy and weak cybersecurity awareness.
Social engineering scams, such as OTP (One-Time Password) frauds, and fake tech support calls are rampant. While India is strengthening its cybersecurity laws, enforcement remains a challenge in a country with over a billion internet users.
In fifth place, Nigeria’s 1,779 reported cases reflect both its role as a hub for online scams and a target for cyber fraud. While notorious for advance-fee fraud (commonly known as 419 scams), Nigeria is also experiencing a rise in cybercrime within its own borders, targeting its growing digital banking and fintech sector.
Economic struggles and high youth unemployment contribute to cyber fraud being seen as a means of financial survival for some. Despite efforts to crack down on cybercriminal networks, a lack of stringent enforcement allows many scams to persist.
“Nigeria’s combination of a booming fintech sector and persistent cybercrime networks creates a complex challenge,” says Michael. “Without stricter enforcement and digital fraud education, both businesses and consumers remain at high risk.”
Michael Moore, Chief Information Officer at Next Perimeter, commented:
“As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, businesses and governments can no longer afford to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. The cost of cybercrime isn’t just measured in stolen assets—it’s the erosion of consumer trust, business credibility, and national security. Every data breach, phishing scam, or ransomware attack carries long-term financial and reputational consequences that far outweigh the cost of proactive security investments.
“To combat this, organizations need to look beyond reactive measures and adopt a proactive cybersecurity strategy. This means investing in cutting-edge threat detection, AI-driven fraud prevention, and comprehensive employee training programs. Governments, too, must tighten regulations and collaborate internationally to dismantle cybercriminal networks. The digital economy depends on trust, and without strong cybersecurity, that trust is at constant risk. Companies and nations that invest in cybersecurity today will be the ones that thrive in the digital world of tomorrow.”
