Businesses around the world have seen a surge in fake expense receipts created using AI-powered image generators from OpenAI and Google, among others, according to the Financial Times.

The generative AI (genAI) tools make it possible to create extremely realistic fake receipts in just a few seconds without any specialized knowledge.

The financial management platform AppZen reported that around 14% of fake receipts in September 2025 were AI-generated, compared to none at all last year. Fintech company Ramp says its software detected more than $1 million dollars worth of fake invoices in just three months.

To detect the scams, companies in turn use AI that can analyze metadata, patterns in file names and other details. But the control systems are far from secure, as even metadata can be deleted.