2026 Fraud Forecast: Understanding the Cycles of Risk

Fraud doesn’t follow the seasons, it follows opportunity.

Every year brings predictable cycles of heightened activity — tax filings, college enrollments, holiday shopping — that open new doors for criminals to exploit. As we head into 2026, Mitek and a panel of industry leaders explored how these recurring “fraud seasons” are shaped by life’s biggest moments and what they reveal about the year ahead.

From refund scams and account takeovers during tax season, to “ghost student” enrollment fraud, to the surge in identity and payment fraud during the holidays, each period presents distinct challenges. Watch the replay to learn how organizations are evolving their defenses to stay prepared, no matter what the next cycle brings.

Topics covered:

  • How cyclical fraud patterns shape risk exposure across banking, telecom, and digital ecosystems
  • The fraud vectors that consistently spike during key events and life moments
  • How to proactively prepare for these waves with a holistic, layered defense
  • What 2026 trends may redefine the rhythm of fraud

Fraud adapts to every season of opportunity. Understanding its cycles is the first step to stopping it.