Norton Forecast: Imposter Scams Up 144%, Package Scams Rise 89% This Summer
GEN•Gen-owned Norton’s 2026 Summer Scam Forecast projects imposter scams rose 144% last summer, financial fraud attacks spiked 55%, package delivery scams climbed 89% and gambling fraud jumped 88% from millions of blocked attacks in 2024–2025. The forecast details 10 scam types through Labor Day and recommends targeted prevention steps.
1. Norton Launches 2026 Scam Free Summer Initiative
Norton, part of Gen, introduced its Scam Free Summer program to spotlight ten scam types expected to surge before Labor Day. The initiative leverages threat data from millions of blocked attacks to inform consumers of peak risk periods.
2. Data Shows Seasonal Scam Spikes
Analysis of blocked attacks in 2024–2025 reveals imposter scams climbed 144%, financial fraud jumped 55%, package delivery scams rose 89% and gambling fraud increased 88% during prior summer months. These figures underpin the top trends outlined in the forecast.
3. AI and Deepfake Threat Escalation
Advancements in voice cloning and deepfake technology are making phone-based imposter and romance scams more convincing. Lookalike booking and ticket sites are also leveraging paid search ads to hijack legitimate reservations with real confirmation details.
4. Norton Genie Enhances Real-Time Protection
Built into Norton Cyber Safety products, Genie’s Safe SMS, Safe Web, Safe Email and Safe Call features analyze messages, websites and calls for hidden scam patterns. Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus adds reimbursement support to recover lost funds.
