How AI, credit washing and synthetic identities are changing the fraud landscape for lenders

Lenders face mounting fraud risks as increasingly sophisticated scams, synthetic identities, account takeover attacks and emerging forms of credit abuse continue to evolve. In this episode of Extra Credit, TransUnion’s Adam Russell and Justin Murry join Craig and Josh to discuss how fraudsters are using technology, consumer data and AI to operate at greater scale and speed than ever before.

The conversation explores several of the most significant fraud trends affecting lenders today, including synthetic identity fraud, credit washing and AI-enabled scams. The guests examine why these threats are becoming harder to detect, the risks they can conceal within lending portfolios and why fraud now demands attention well beyond the fraud department.

Adam and Justin also share practical steps lenders can take to strengthen their fraud strategies — from benchmarking and implementing layered defenses to cross-industry collaboration. Looking ahead, they consider how AI will continue transforming both attack methods and prevention capabilities, making innovation and adaptability critical to staying ahead of what comes next.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Recorded live at TransUnion’s 2026 Financial Services Summit, this episode features a timely conversation with S&P Global Chief Economist Paul Gruenwald on the forces shaping the macroeconomic outlook for lenders and financial institutions. While the global economy faces significant headwinds, including tariffs, energy market disruption and geopolitical tensions, Gruenwald explains that growth has remained surprisingly resilient, supported largely by a strong labor market and steady consumer activity.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

In this episode, Craig LaChapelle is joined by VantageScore’s Jeff Richardson and TransUnion’s Matias Petersen to unpack the growing importance of credit score choice. They discuss how market volatility, competition and regulatory shifts are driving adoption across lending segments, from mortgage to auto and cards. The conversation highlights practical considerations — from model performance and governance to operational rollout — while outlining how lenders can test, validate and scale new scoring approaches to improve portfolio outcomes and expand access.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Join Craig, Josh and Charlie Wise, TransUnion’s EVP of Global Research and Consulting, as they unpack the forces shaping the 2026 consumer credit landscape. From a stabilizing macroeconomic backdrop to evolving lender strategies, Charlie walks through key trends across credit cards, auto, personal loans and mortgage. He also explores the implications of affordability pressures, interest rate expectations and the K shaped dynamics influencing consumer financial health.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

As 2025 comes to a close, economic uncertainty and volatility remain top of mind for lenders and consumers alike. In this episode, Jason Laky, EVP of Financial Services at TransUnion®, joins Josh and Craig to unpack the year’s biggest credit trends — from resilient consumer demand to challenges in mortgage and auto — and what they signal for 2026. Jason also explores how lenders are leveraging alternative data and AI to manage risk and drive inclusion in a rapidly evolving market.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Pete Turek — a TransUnion® SVP responsible for overseeing relationships with more than 120 of the nation’s leading financial institutions — join Josh and Craig this month to unpack insights from the latest Consumer Industry Insights Report.

The discussion highlights a “K-shaped” dynamic in lending, with strong growth at both ends of the credit spectrum, record personal loan originations and Gen Z’s rising influence. The conversation also covers tighter credit lines, longer auto loan terms, delinquency trends across products and the impact of the recent government shutdown.

Looking ahead, the group examines how tax season, student loan offsets and macroeconomic factors could shape consumer credit performance in early 2026.

For lenders and risk professionals, this episode offers a clear, data-driven view of where consumer credit stands — and what’s next.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

Christian Widhalm, CEO of Bloom Credit, joins the latest episode of Extra Credit to unpack the evolving landscape of credit data furnishment.

Christian shares how Bloom is tackling the limitations of legacy credit reporting formats — originally designed for traditional products and monthly cycles — and helping lenders report both conventional and alternative data more accurately and in real time.

The conversation covers the rise of BNPL, the promise of transactional data for underserved consumers and regulatory headwinds shaping open banking.

Widhalm also weighs in on why traditional credit data isn’t dead — despite the hype — and how FinTech partnerships are accelerating innovation across the lending ecosystem.

In this episode of Extra Credit, Harmon Lyons, VP of Strategy and Market Development for TransUnion’s financial services marketing solutions, joins Craig and Josh for a deep dive into the evolving role of data in financial services marketing.

Harmon shares insights from nearly 30 years in the industry, highlighting how all FS marketers — from regional credit unions to national banks — can overcome fragmentation, connect with customers across channels and prove ROI.

The conversation covers best practices for identity resolution, the importance of brand building — even on modest budgets — and how to balance acquisition and retention strategies.

Whether you're a CMO or in a marketing-adjacent role, this episode offers a practical look at how data-driven strategies are reshaping the way financial institutions engage with consumers.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

The latest installment of Extra Credit has Dawn Figlioli, VP of Sales, Financial Services at TransUnion, stepping into the host seat, guiding a conversation with Craig and Josh on the latest credit market insights.

The trio explores the current lending environment, marked by both stability and caution, and dives into the surprising growth at both ends of the credit spectrum. They discuss rising delinquencies in auto and mortgage, the evolving role of FinTechs in super prime lending, and how refined risk strategies are reshaping subprime performance.

The episode also touches on the regulatory landscape and why consumer optimism may be on the rise — despite economic headwinds.

Whether you're a lender navigating uncertainty or a strategist looking for signals in the noise, this episode offers grounded, data-driven perspective on what’s next.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.

DJ Cox joins this month, flipping the script on Craig and Josh with the most-asked questions he’s hearing within the credit and lending space.

As they reflect on 2025 so far, Josh highlights signs of recovery in card originations and improving delinquency trends. And Craig adds a macro perspective, describing consumers as “cautiously stable” amid mixed economic signals.

Looking ahead, the conversation turns to key risks and opportunities — from tariff uncertainty and returning student loan payments to lenders shifting toward more selective growth strategies. They also examine trends in credit lines and balances, pointing to stable utilization and signs of disciplined behavior among consumers.

The episode wraps with an assessment of the shrinking private label card market and why it still matters, even against rising competition like buy now, pay later services.

The information discussed in this podcast constitutes the opinion of TransUnion, and TransUnion shall have no liablity for any actions taken based upon the content of this podcast.