Surge in Online Scams Affects 73% of U.S. Adults

A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that 73% of U.S. adults have experienced online scams, with significant losses reported. The FBI reported $21 billion in losses in 2025 due to cybercrime, highlighting the growing threat. Common scams include fraudulent charges on credit cards, with 48% of adults affected. The survey indicates that younger and older adults are equally vulnerable, and racial minorities report higher incidences of multiple scams. The rise of artificial intelligence has made scams more sophisticated, complicating detection and prevention efforts. Educational initiatives are being launched to combat these threats, particularly targeting vulnerable populations like older adults.

Key Points: • 73% of U.S. adults have experienced online scams, with 32% in the past year. • The FBI reported nearly $21 billion in losses due to cybercrime in 2025. • Artificial intelligence is increasing the sophistication of online scams.