Mobile App Fraud Prevention in 2025: What Should You Really Budget For?


Let’s get real: no founder plans to lose money to fraud, but in 2025, skipping security is like handing your wallet to a stranger.
This year, Bybit lost $1.5B in minutes because they missed a basic device check. That’s not rare anymore. If you build apps, this stuff matters.
What’s happening right now
App fraud is rising — fast. Last year, users lost $12.5B to scammers.
Regulators (PCI DSS 4.0, PSD2, HIPAA) are handing out fines for every leaked record.
Fixing fraud after it happens is always more expensive than doing it right the first time.
What actually works (tested by our team)
MFA where money moves. Google Authenticator or Authy — 2 hours to set up.
Device checks at login. Catches bots before they hit your users. Takes a day to add with a ready-made SDK.
Risk scoring for logins. Most users see nothing new, but fraud attempts get flagged.
We rolled out this stack in a healthcare app:
Fraud dropped by 90%. Real users just kept signing up — no extra hassle, no angry emails.
So, what will it cost?
For most apps, it’s about $5K–$20K for the initial setup and $600–$2,500/month after launch.
That’s a lot less than a single breach (which can hit $50K+ in lost cash, refunds, and stress).
Thinking about building it all yourself?
You can, but unless you have a top-notch security team and a lot of time, plugging in a proven SDK will save your nerves and budget.
If you want real numbers (with SDK names, costs, and a simple plan), I broke it all down here:
👉 Mobile App Fraud Prevention Cost in 2025
Or just use our free calculator to get a tailored cost estimate in minutes:
👉 App Security Calculator
Any questions? Have your own fraud-prevention tips? Share in the comments — always happy to chat with fellow builders!
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Written by

Olga Gubanova
Olga Gubanova
I'm a tech content strategist focused on AI tools, MVP planning, and startup workflows. I write no-fluff comparisons to help founders choose smarter and build faster. Currently exploring app cost estimators and AI-assisted product planning.