This report is the result of work by the OECD to better understand financial scams and frauds and explore how policymakers and public authorities can better protect consumers from them.
The report examines the drivers of the increased incidence of financial scams and frauds, articulates a typology of financial scams and frauds targeting financial consumers, and identifies effective financial consumer protection and financial education approaches to protect consumers from financial scams and frauds. It draws on data collected from 69 jurisdictions (of which 26 are OECD Members), representing the perspectives of 102 public authorities.
The report provides guidance to policymakers and public authorities on how to strengthen their policies towards tackling financial scams and frauds. The typology of financial scams and frauds can be used to systematically record, monitor and analyse different types of financial fraud, allowing policymakers and public authorities to identify patterns or high-risk areas, track trends and appropriately allocate resources. By providing guidance on how to prevent, detect and deter financial scams and frauds based on effective approaches, the report also supports the implementation of the G20/OECD High-Level Principles on Financial Consumer Protection, in particular Principle 10 on protecting consumer assets against scams, frauds and misuse.
It is an output of the OECD Working Party on Financial Consumer Protection, Education and Inclusion (WPFCPEI). The WPFCPEI comprises representatives of OECD Members, G20 countries, Financial Stability Board (FSB) jurisdictions as well as relevant international organisations and standard setting bodies. The WPFCPEI is responsible for the G20/OECD High-Level Principles on Financial Consumer Protection, the international standard for comprehensive and effective financial consumer protection policy frameworks and approaches. Protecting consumers from financial scams and frauds is a strategic priority for the WPFCPEI. Combatting scams and frauds, including through financial literacy, is also a priority of the US G20 Presidency in 2026.
This report has been developed by the Capital Markets and Financial Institutions Division of the OECD Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs. It was prepared by Rachel Karen, under the supervision of Matthew Soursourian, Senior Policy Analyst, Miles Larbey, Head of the Financial Consumer Protection, Education and Inclusion Unit, and Serdar Çelik, Head of Division.
It was developed via an extensive consultation and iterative approach, based on inputs from Delegates of the WPFCPEI and the OECD International Network on Financial Education (INFE), as well as Members of FinCoNet, the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS). The Secretariat also worked with an Expert Group of Delegates who provided guidance and advice over the course of the project.