According to the latest Appdome study, Filipinos have increasingly been abandoning mobile apps over security concerns as AI-powered scams intensify during peak spending season.
With the holiday shopping season set to drive record mobile transactions, new research from mobile security platform Appdome reveals a sharp rise in consumer anxiety over AI-driven fraud—prompting many Filipinos to delete or abandon mobile apps altogether.
Appdome’s fifth annual Consumer Expectations of Mobile App Security Report shows that synthetic fraud, identity theft, and AI-enabled scams have become the top triggers for app abandonment during Black Friday and the year-end shopping period.
The findings come as industry analysts, including NordLayer, SEON, and Kaspersky, report fraud attempts rising between 22% and 4× during Cyber Week.
Identity fraud tops consumer worries
As reported in Newsbytes, the report found that:
- 43.4% of Filipinos fear identity fraud the most when shopping on mobile.
- 74.7% delete or stop using apps due to fraud or security concerns.
- 34.1% say they or someone they know has fallen victim to social engineering scams.
With steep discounts and high-volume mobile payments converging, Appdome says consumers see the 2025 holiday season as “primed for fraud.”
“AI is changing the fraud landscape faster than mobile businesses can react,” said Appdome Co-Creator and CEO Tom Tovar. “Consumers want proof that their apps can stop fraud before a holiday purchase is made — not after the damage is done.”
Appdome: AI fuels a new era of holiday fraud
Appdome’s data shows that many Filipinos view AI as a double-edged sword:
- 67.2% see AI as an opportunity, while
- 32.8% view it as a threat to safe mobile usage.
Advanced AI techniques—including deepfake payment authorizations, bot-driven account takeovers, and AI-powered vishing—have become major enablers of holiday-season fraud.
Yet despite high expectations, the study found that only 60% of consumers feel confident their mobile apps can actually block AI-generated threats, revealing a significant trust gap.
Prevention outweighs reimbursement
Appdome’s research highlights a major shift in consumer expectations: mobile users now prioritize proactive protectionover reactive remedies.
- 86.7% want fraud stopped before it occurs, not refunded afterward.
- 45.9% say the app — not the device, carrier, or OS — is responsible for stopping fraud.
- 70% say privacy is non-negotiable, while 15.2% refuse to use apps lacking clear safeguards.
“Holiday shopping is when attackers strike hardest,” said Appdome Chief Customer Officer Jamie Bertasi. “AI lets bad actors mimic real users, hijack sessions, and trigger fraudulent transactions. Stopping these attacks inside the app is essential to protecting customers and revenue during the busiest shopping seasons of the year.”
Mobile apps face pressure before spending peaks
With a record number of purchases expected between Black Friday and December 31, the findings point to a clear mandate for mobile-first businesses — especially those in banking, fintech, retail, travel, and delivery:
- Holiday transaction spikes create ideal conditions for synthetic identity fraud.
- AI allows scammers to automate attacks at unprecedented speed.
- Consumer trust can shift instantly to apps that demonstrate visible security protections.
The report also shows that users reward apps that keep them safe:
- 27.6% would leave positive reviews for apps with strong protections.
- 24.7% would promote secure apps on social media.
About the Appdome report
Appdome’s annual study explores global and regional consumer sentiment around mobile app security, AI-driven threats, and fraud trends. The full report can be accessed at the Appdome official website.
