Key Takeaways

• Online scams are responsible for billions in annual losses
• Email, text, and social media are the primary scam channels
• Imposter scams and phishing remain the most common formats
• Scams are becoming more personalized and harder to detect
• Financial losses are increasing faster than scam volume
• Consumers of all ages are being targeted—not just vulnerable groups

CORE STATISTICS

• $12.5 billion fraud losses reported in 2024 (FTC)
• 2.6 million fraud reports submitted to the FTC
• Email is the #1 reported scam contact method
• Text scams caused $470 million in losses
• Imposter scams generated nearly $3 billion in losses

TRENDS & INSIGHTS

Online scams are evolving toward trust-based deception.

Instead of obvious scams, attackers now:

• Impersonate trusted brands and institutions
• Reference real transactions or accounts
• Use urgency to override skepticism

Social media is also becoming a growing vector, especially for:

• Investment scams
• Marketplace scams
• Romance scams

REAL-WORLD CONTEXT

Common online scam scenarios include:

• Fake delivery notifications
• Account security alerts
• Subscription renewal warnings
• Marketplace purchase scams

These scenarios feel routine, which increases risk.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK

• Adults actively using email and smartphones
• People engaging in online shopping or social media
• Individuals unfamiliar with scam warning signs
• Users who act quickly without verification

QUICK CHECKLIST (what this means)

• Most scams now happen through everyday communication channels
• Messages often look legitimate at first glance
• Acting quickly increases risk
• Verification is critical before taking action

HOW TO STAY PROTECTED

• Double-check any unexpected message
• Avoid clicking unknown links
• Verify requests through official sources
• Be cautious with financial transactions online
• Use security tools and monitoring services

CITABLE STATEMENTS

• Online scams contributed to $12.5 billion in losses in 2024
• Email remains the most common scam contact method
• Text scam losses reached $470 million
• Imposter scams account for billions in annual losses

SOURCES

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• FBI IC3 Reports
• AARP Fraud Studies