Fraud detection in mobility platforms: successful attacks are rising

The growing impact of fraud on the mobility sector

The mobility sector is a prime target for identity fraud due to the high value of physical assets and the speed of digital transactions. Fraudsters are moving quickly to exploit weaknesses in traditional transport services, peer-to-peer car sharing, and broader mobility marketplaces. According to our Battle in the Dark: Mobility & Automotive report, identity fraud now affects 17% of revenue in the sector. Furthermore, operators estimate that 14% of transactions and onboarded customers are estimated to be fraudulent. The threat is escalating rapidly, with fraud attempts in mobility increasing by 54% and successful attacks rising by 59%. Transport operators and marketplace providers must protect high-value transactions and user funds while ensuring a fast booking process for real users. The financial damage of stolen vehicles and fraudulent chargebacks presents a clear threat to profitability.

Common types of fraud: From forgery to account takeover (ATO)

Identity fraud involves the deliberate use of false or stolen credentials to gain unauthorised access to goods, services, or accounts. In the mobility industry, bad actors target different stages of the user journey using specific tactics, many of which are becoming heavily automated. In fact, 61% of mobility companies report AI identity fraud is being used against them.

• Document forgery: Attackers submit fake driving licences or passports during the initial registration to rent vehicles or list fake marketplace assets under a false name. Our mobility-specific data shows that interviewed companies rank identity forgery as the most common tactic (39%). This rises to 41% for touchpoints involving electronic identity documents (eIDs). Manually detecting these advanced fakes is nearly impossible.
• Synthetic identities: Synthetic identity fraud is notably prevalent in the mobility sector. Criminals combine real and fake data to create entirely new personas that bypass traditional checks. In peer-to-peer marketplaces, these fake profiles can act as fraudulent renters or malicious hosts. The research confirms this is a major threat, with 30% of organisations flagging it as one of the most common, and 34% as one of the main tactics involving eID fraud.
• Account takeover (ATO): Criminals gain control of an existing, verified user account to make fraudulent bookings or siphon funds from marketplace transactions, avoiding the onboarding checks entirely. Our findings highlight account takeover as a rapidly emerging threat in the sector, reported by 26% of interviewed companies and surging to 33% when fraudsters attempt to bypass eID authentication.

Comparing verification approaches

Why the point of transaction is the greatest risk in mobility

The point of transaction is the exact moment a user attempts to complete a booking, unlock a vehicle, or finalise a peer-to-peer payment. This stage is the most critical vulnerability for digital transport services and marketplaces. Our research confirms that the risk of fraud in the mobility sector peaks precisely here. In fact, attacks in the industry peak at the transaction stage across rentals, leases, delivery services, and peer-to-peer platforms, as reported by 45% of organisations interviewed. Fraudsters know that mobility platforms prioritise speed at checkout. They exploit this window to execute account takeovers or use stolen payment details. Securing this moment requires real-time risk assessment that checks user behaviour, device intelligence, and payment data without causing unnecessary friction for genuine customers.

A playbook for prevention and verification in the mobility industry

A fraud prevention strategy combines technology and processes to stop malicious activity across the entire customer lifecycle. To effectively counter modern threats, mobility operators and marketplace owners need a layered approach.

Layer 1: Automated user, renter and driver verification

Automated verification is the process of using software to authenticate a user's identity documents and biometrics without human intervention. Given that a mean of 21% of mobility fraud cases require additional manual scrutiny, integrating strong automated checks at onboarding is critical to reduce this burden. Using technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC) allows mobility firms and marketplaces to read the cryptographic chip inside electronic passports and ID cards. This method confirms the document is authentic and unaltered, providing the highest level of assurance that the person registering is exactly who they claim to be. Because these chips are cryptographically signed, they cannot be manipulated or bypassed by deepfakes.

Layer 2: Continuous security to prevent ATO

Continuous security is the ongoing monitoring of user sessions and behaviour to detect anomalies after the initial login. While strong onboarding keeps fraudsters out at the start, continuous security protects the user journey long-term. Our data reveals that while teams are engaged (71% understand attacker tactics and 79% actively address attempts), controls still lag behind the scale of attacks (63% use AI to combat fraud, falling behind other industries). This creates a massive vulnerability gap. By analysing device signals, location data, and biometric prompts during high-risk actions, you can stop an account takeover in its tracks. This is vital when users attempt to change payment details, request a marketplace payout, or unlock a premium vehicle.

Trust and proof: Recognised industry leadership

Building a secure mobility platform requires reliable technology. In recognition of our effective approach, Signicat recently won a 2026 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards Gold for our commitment to preventing fraud. This acknowledgement highlights our commitment to delivering technology that actively stops sophisticated fraud attempts while supporting genuine users.

The strategic mobility fraud data your team needs

Understanding the specific threats facing your operations is the first step to building a resilient defence. To explore the latest trends and statistics, read the full insights in our dedicated research.

Explore the full insights in our Identity Fraud in Mobility & Automotive: Point of Transaction report

Final summary and outlook

Securing a mobility platform is an ongoing requirement that demands intelligent, layered defences. By moving away from manual checks and adopting automated verification alongside continuous security, you protect your physical assets, marketplace funds, and legitimate users. As fraud tactics become more sophisticated, maintaining a strong strategy at the point of transaction will define the success of digital transport services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common type of fraud in mobility platforms?

Account takeover (ATO), document forgery, and synthetic identities are the most frequent issues. Synthetic identity fraud is particularly common in the mobility sector compared to other industries, affecting both direct rentals and peer-to-peer marketplaces.

How does automated identity verification help digital transport services?

It allows operators to verify driving licences and passports in real time using technologies like NFC, AI-based video identification, or eIDs. This quickens the onboarding process for real users while blocking forged documents.

Why is continuous security necessary if we already check IDs at onboarding?

Because fraudsters often target verified accounts. Continuous security monitors the user session to ensure the person making the booking, transferring funds, or unlocking the car is the same person who created the account.