Consumers Lack Trust in Travel Industry's Ability to Protect Them from AI-Powered Fraud.

A new study by Jumio finds that nearly half of global consumers (44%) lack confidence in the travel industry's ability to protect them from AI-powered fraud, including identity theft and account takeover fraud. This lack of confidence is higher in the US, at 55%. The study also found that consumers are willing to spend more time on identity verification to improve security, with 74% of global consumers willing to invest more time in verification for travel and hospitality-related platforms.

A new study by Jumio reveals a significant lack of confidence among global consumers in the travel industry's ability to safeguard against AI-powered fraud, including identity theft and account takeover fraud. The research, conducted as part of Jumio's 2025 Online Identity Study, surveyed 8,001 adult consumers across the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Mexico [1].

Key findings indicate that nearly half of global consumers (44%) are not confident in the travel industry's protective measures against AI fraud. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in the United States, where 55% of consumers share similar concerns [1]. The study also highlights that consumers are increasingly willing to invest more time in identity verification processes to enhance their security. Globally, 74% of consumers are willing to spend more time on identity verification for travel and hospitality platforms if it improves their security, up from 71% in 2024 [1].

The sharing economy, which includes vacation rentals and other travel-focused gig economy services, faces even higher levels of skepticism. In the US, 60% of consumers do not feel adequately protected, while globally, the figure stands at 50% [1]. This lack of confidence underscores a broader trend of distrust in digital spaces, with 69% of respondents considering AI-powered fraud a greater threat to personal security than traditional forms of identity theft [1].

Jumio's Chief Product and Technology Officer, Bala Kumar, emphasizes the need for the travel and hospitality industry to adopt new technologies and solutions to balance convenience with robust protection. Traditional security measures, he argues, are no longer sufficient to combat evolving AI-powered scams [1].

The study's findings come at a time when the European Commission is also addressing online child protection, launching a pilot project for age verification apps in five EU countries to safeguard minors from harmful online content [2]. This initiative highlights the growing importance of digital identity verification across various sectors.

The travel industry faces a critical challenge in regaining consumer trust. As consumers become more aware of the risks associated with digital identity theft, businesses must adapt their strategies to provide adequate security measures. The willingness of consumers to invest more time in identity verification suggests a growing demand for robust, user-friendly solutions that can effectively protect their personal data.

References:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250716594889/en/Trouble-in-Paradise-Consumers-Dont-Trust-Travel-Industry-to-Protect-Them-From-AI-Powered-Fraud
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/eu-member-states-test-age-verification-app-protect-minors-online-2507/