FTC: Americans lost over $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025
Summary
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that Americans lost over $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, marking a significant increase since 2020. These scams primarily target individuals through social media platforms, leading to substantial financial losses.
IFF Assessment
The rise in social media scams and associated financial losses represents a growing threat to individuals and indicates successful tactics by malicious actors.
Defender Context
This highlights the persistent and evolving threat of social engineering and online fraud targeting consumers. Defenders should focus on educating users about common social media scam tactics, such as fake investment opportunities, romance scams, and imposter scams, and promoting vigilance when interacting with unsolicited offers or requests online.