New Report: Top Ten Scams of 2025
Fraud.org’s just-released Top Ten Scams of 2025 report reveals troubling trends. Phishing scams surged and investment scams—especially those involving cryptocurrency—caused devastating financial losses, and reports from younger consumers increased sharply.
Spike in phishing scams accounts for 1 in 3 fraud reports.
Phishing and spoofing scams were the most commonly reported fraud in 2025. These impersonation schemes, in which criminals pose as trusted institutions or individuals to steal personal information or money, accounted for 35% of all complaints submitted to Fraud.org. Compared to 2024, reports of phishing and spoofing increased by 85% year over year, making this the fastest-growing major scam category.
Investment scams still associated with massive losses.
While phishing is widespread, investment scams remain the most financially destructive for their victims. Investment schemes, including those involving cryptocurrency, had a median reported loss of $30,000—the highest of any scam type Fraud.org tracks. By comparison, phishing and spoofing scams carried a median loss of $2,060. The next most financially harmful category was friendship and sweetheart scams, with a median loss of $15,000. Cryptocurrency-related fraud continues to be particularly damaging because transactions are difficult to reverse, and many consumers remain unfamiliar with the risks.
Younger individuals make up a greater share of Fraud.org contributors.
The data also show important demographic shifts. Consumers aged 65 and older remain the single largest age group reporting scams, accounting for 22% of complaints. However, younger adults are reporting fraud at significantly higher rates than in prior years. Consumers aged 26–35 rose from the fifth most common reporting group in 2024 to the second in 2025, accounting for 21% of all reports.
The internet has become the primary contact method for scammers.
Another notable change in 2025 is how scammers first contact their targets. Internet platforms—excluding email—overtook phone calls as the primary method used by fraudsters, representing 48% of all complaints. When email is included, online channels account for 56% of reports. Phone calls ranked second, making up 26% of complaints. The shift reflects scammers’ growing reliance on social media, messaging apps, and other digital platforms to reach potential victims.
Fraud.org’s data is only as strong as the consumers who share their experiences. If you believe you have encountered a scam, please file a complaint on our website. Your report helps us alert the public and share critical information with consumer protection agencies and law enforcement partners.
