European Union: European Commission opened consultation on development of an action plan addressing online fraud

On 23 January 2026, the European Commission opened a consultation on the development of an action plan on fighting online fraud until 13 February 2026. The initiative aims to address the growing prevalence of online fraud across the EU, following the increased use of behavioural manipulation, automation and artificial intelligence in fraud schemes, including industrialised models such as “crime-as-a-service.” The proposed action plan would cover fraud committed through digital technologies, including online and telephone-based schemes. It aims to address issues such as the use of advanced technologies, links to organised crime and money laundering, gaps in victim support and compensation, limitations in asset recovery, and shortcomings in information-sharing arrangements between public authorities and private-sector actors. The cross-border nature of online fraud and the movement of proceeds across jurisdictions are also emphasised. Proposed measures include enhanced cooperation between Member States, prevention measures, including those targeting fraudulent advertising, and actions to trace and disrupt fraud proceeds, including crypto-asset transfers under the EU anti-money laundering framework.