FBI Reports Cryptocurrency Frauds Hit $11.4B in 2025, Mostly Targeting Seniors

The FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report shows that cryptocurrency scams accounted for the largest share of online fraud losses, totaling $11.366 billion according to BeInCrypto. This figure represents a 22% rise from the previous year and surpasses losses from investment scams and AI-related attacks combined, as highlighted by multiple sources including Tom's Hardware and Fox Business. More than 1 million Americans were affected by internet scams overall, with crypto fraud responsible for over half of the nearly $21 billion total losses reported last year.

Victims aged 60 and older were disproportionately targeted, suffering approximately $4.43 billion in losses from crypto scams alone, nearly 39% of the total cryptocurrency-related thefts, BeInCrypto reports. Cryptocurrency investment fraud accounted for the majority of these cases, with losses exceeding $7.2 billion, underscoring the continued prevalence of fraudulent investment platforms. Many scams originated via social media channels, where fake investment opportunities lure victims, according to Fox Business.

The FBI has pointed to increasing complexity in scam tactics, including the use of AI technologies such as voice cloning and deepfakes to deceive victims, as outlined by 9to5Mac and Zero Hedge. This escalation in sophistication has spurred federal initiatives like Operation Level Up, which targets scam networks particularly those based in Southeast Asia. Law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to disrupt these schemes and educate the public about emerging threats.

AI-related cyber fraud, though smaller in total losses, reached $893 million last year, marking a new vector for financial crime noted by Tom's Hardware. Authorities warn that AI-enabled scams may continue to evolve rapidly, necessitating heightened vigilance from both individuals and institutions. The FBI and other agencies are deploying new analytical tools to detect and prevent such fraud.

Looking ahead, experts and officials are focused on enhancing cross-border cooperation and bolstering protections for senior citizens, who remain the most vulnerable demographic. The effectiveness of ongoing operations like Level Up and the rollout of public awareness campaigns will be critical to stemming the growth of cryptocurrency fraud in 2026 and beyond. Monitoring changes in scam methodologies, especially those involving AI, will also be essential to adaptive enforcement strategies.