Crypto Scams Surge: $17B Lost in 2025

• •Cryptocurrency scams resulted in $17 billion in losses in 2025.
• •The FBI reported a 66% increase in U.S. cryptocurrency fraud losses.
• •Older adults are significant targets, with average losses reaching $83,000 per victim.

In 2025, cryptocurrency scammers stole an estimated $17 billion, with the FBI reporting $9.3 billion in U.S. losses alone, marking a 66% increase from the previous year. The average scam payment rose significantly, indicating a shift to targeted attacks rather than mass scams. The Treasury Department's FinCEN reported $12.7 billion in losses from cyber scams since 2023, with a notable rise in reports from financial institutions. Scammers employ various tactics, including impersonating trusted figures and utilizing advanced technologies like AI-generated deepfakes. Victims, particularly older adults, have suffered substantial financial losses, with some transferring large sums from retirement accounts. The report emphasizes the need for financial institutions to enhance their reporting and detection capabilities against these scams.