Online scams in the United States have reached record levels, leaving victims facing huge financial losses, emotional distress and, in many cases, little help in recovering their money.
An investigation by The Associated Press and FRONTLINE found that Americans reported $15.9 billion in scam losses in 2025, a 25 per cent increase from the previous year. The actual losses could be far higher because many victims do not report fraud due to embarrassment or fear of being blamed.
Almost everyone has encountered a scam
A recent AP-NORC poll found that 98 per cent of Americans believe they have been targeted by scammers, while three in 10 said they had personally lost money or information to a scam.
The investigation interviewed 58 victims aged between 32 and 90. Their losses ranged from several thousand dollars to $4 million, affecting people from different professions and income groups.
Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are making scams more sophisticated and easier to operate on a large scale. Criminal networks can use AI to create convincing communications, while cryptocurrency can make stolen funds difficult to trace.
Victims can face losses even after the scam
For some victims, financial damage continues long after the fraud. People who withdrew money from retirement accounts before sending it to scammers can face tax bills despite having lost the funds.
Victims also reported difficulties obtaining assistance from law enforcement and financial institutions. In some cases, criminals have even targeted victims again by falsely promising to recover their stolen money.
Other countries are taking stronger action
The investigation found that countries including the UK, Australia, the European Union and Singapore have introduced measures that place greater responsibility on banks, telecommunications companies and digital platforms.
In the UK, financial institutions generally have to reimburse customers who are tricked into authorised scam payments, while Singapore allows certain bank transfers to be temporarily restricted when authorities believe a person is being scammed.
The US is considering new legislation and has launched efforts to pursue international scam networks. However, advocates say the response remains fragmented, with at least 13 federal agencies involved in different aspects of the problem.
For millions of victims, the biggest challenge remains the same: getting meaningful help after the money is gone.