The Fraudian Slip Podcast: Gen – ITRC Predictions for 2026 - S6E12

Show Transcript

Welcome to the Fraudian Slip, the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC’s) podcast, where we talk about all things identity theft, fraud and scams that impact people and businesses. We’ve once again come to the time of the year when otherwise normal businesspeople throw caution to the wind and turn to fortune-telling about what’s going to happen next year. It is time for the ITRC predictions for 2026. 

Before we gaze into the future, let’s blow the dust off the 2025 predictions to see how we did. Of the five predictions we made this time last year, we nailed five out of five, although at least one of those was the prediction equivalent of a card trick. 

Now, it’s time to pull our crystal ball off the charger to predict what’s going to happen next year when it comes to identity theft, fraud and scams. We know you have a finite amount of time today, so we’re not going to cover all nine of the ITRC predictions for 2026. However, you can read about them, along with the scorecard of our predictions from last year, by clicking here. 

Joining us in predicting the future is Melissa Voeller of Gen, the company behind Norton LifeLock, and a member of the ITRC Board of Directors. We also have, as always, the ITRC’s own CEO, Eva Velasquez.

ITRC Predictions for 2026 Discussed on the Podcast

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Social Engineering Will Drive a Surge in Hyper-Personalized Identity Theft
   1. The 'Answer Engine' Dilemma: AI Model Collapse Will Obscure Victim Support
   2. Agentic AI Will Introduce New Autonomous Cyber Threats and Defenses
2. Synthetic Identities, the Collapse of Digital Trust, and the Rise of Fake Ads & Counterfeit Shops
3. The Regulatory Landscape for AI and Data Privacy Will Become a Complex Global Patchwork
4. Quantum Computing Threats Will Force a Shift in Encryption Standards
5. A Focus on a Variety of Issues Will Create an "Invisible Victim" Population
6. The New Digital Safety Mindset

Download the ITRC’s 2026 Predictions

This is our last podcast of 2025. We’ll be back with Season 7 in January of this podcast and our sister podcast, the Weekly Breach Breakdown. In the meantime, you can learn more about how to avoid identity theft, fraud and scams, or get help if you have been the victim of an identity crime or compromise by visiting the ITRC’s website www.idtheftcenter.org. 

Thanks to each of you who listen to our podcast and who come to the ITRC for support and information. Be sure to like this episode and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.

From all of us at the ITRC, we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons with your friends and loved ones, and a safe, prosperous and secure 2026.