Introduction
According to the “Global Cybersecurity 2025 Report” by Mastercard, eight out of ten Mexicans feel capable of protecting themselves online. However, fraud and scams remain the primary obstacle to building digital trust in the country.
The study reveals that 36% of consumers identify these risks as their main source of frustration when conducting digital transactions. Despite Mexico’s progress in digital maturity, driven by the growth of electronic payments, online banking, and e-commerce, nearly 80% of users have experienced at least one fraud attempt in the past year.
The Role of Trust and Cybersecurity
Marcos Peralta, Vice President of Mastercard’s Customer Solutions Center for Latin America and the North, states: “Mexico is experiencing a historic acceleration in digital payments and financial services. This advancement presents a strategic opportunity: to solidify trust as the primary driver of economic growth. When cybersecurity is integrated from the design stage, innovation can scale responsibly and generate sustained value for consumers, businesses, and the financial system as a whole.”
The study highlights that users’ trust primarily lies with financial institutions, which reach a confidence level of 76%, as well as global payment networks like Mastercard, perceived as the strongest actors to protect both money and personal data.
Common Scams and Their Impact
Phishing and fraudulent calls remain the most common scams, with a higher incidence among older adults (28%) compared to younger consumers (17%). A new emerging concern is the use of Artificial Intelligence to generate false content. Only 15% of respondents fully trust their ability to identify such deceptions.
Fraud primarily affects small and medium-sized enterprises. After a fraud incident, 78% of consumers would opt to shop only in well-known or larger stores, increasing the risk of digital exclusion for small businesses that do not integrate advanced security solutions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main challenge for digital trust in Mexico? Fraud and scams are the primary obstacles to building digital trust in Mexico, with 36% of consumers identifying these risks as their main source of frustration during digital transactions.
- How do Mexicans perceive cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is a daily topic of conversation for 72% of respondents, although only 17% have been direct victims of fraud. The emotional impact persists despite this.
- What are the most common types of scams? Phishing and fraudulent calls remain the most prevalent scams, with a higher occurrence among older adults. The emergence of using Artificial Intelligence to create false content is also a growing concern, with only 15% of respondents confident in identifying such deceptions.
- Who is most affected by fraud? Fraud primarily impacts small and medium-sized enterprises. After experiencing fraud, 78% of consumers would choose to shop only in well-known or larger stores, increasing the risk of digital exclusion for small businesses without advanced security solutions.
Conclusion
The Mastercard report emphasizes that cybersecurity is a crucial enabler of economic growth. As Mexico continues to accelerate in digital payments and financial services, solidifying trust through integrated cybersecurity measures is essential to sustainably benefit consumers, businesses, and the financial system.
