Deepfake-related fraud surges in Hong Kong, driven by AI abuse

Sumsub warned that Hong Kong’s digital ecosystem is becoming a key target.

Hong Kong recorded a 1,900% year-on-year increase in deepfake-related fraud cases in the first quarter of 2025, according to new data from verification provider Sumsub. 

The report also showed a 209% rise in synthetic identity document fraud in the city, reflecting a broader trend across Asia-Pacific.

The sharp uptick in fraudulent activity comes as fraudsters increasingly use AI-powered tools to create deepfakes and synthetic identities to bypass Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.

The Asia-Pacific region reported a 233% rise in synthetic identity fraud, outpacing the global average of 195%. 

Fraud has become especially prevalent in fast-growing sectors such as healthtech and fintech, where digital onboarding is widespread and security gaps are more easily exploited.

Sumsub warned that Hong Kong’s expanding digital ecosystem is becoming a key target for this new wave of sophisticated fraud.