The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than one million complaints in 2025 for the first time in its history. Total reported losses reached nearly $21 billion, up 26% from $16.6 billion in 2024.
Why it matters
The numbers reveal a threat growing faster than public awareness or enforcement can keep pace. Cybercrime now costs Americans more annually than many federal agencies spend in a year.
What the data shows
Investment scams remained the costliest category. Business email compromise and tech support fraud followed close behind.
Phishing attacks generated the most complaints at 191,000, followed by extortion at 89,000 and investment scams at 72,000. The gap between complaint volume and financial damage suggests investment scams are fewer in number but far more damaging per victim.
AI enters the picture
For the first time, the FBI tracked AI-powered scams as a distinct category. These accounted for 22,300 complaints and $893 million in losses.
The bureau did not break down which AI tools were involved but noted that scammers are using synthetic voice and video to impersonate trusted contacts. The technique is particularly effective against older Americans.
Seniors bear the heaviest burden
Americans over 60 lost $7.7 billion, a 37% increase from the previous year. This age group filed more complaints and reported higher average losses than any other demographic.
The FBI attributed the disparity to targeted scams that exploit trust and unfamiliarity with new technology. Tech support fraud and romance scams were disproportionately aimed at older victims.
What happens next
The FBI said it is expanding partnerships with financial institutions to freeze fraudulent transactions more quickly. The bureau also urged Americans to verify any unexpected communication requesting money or personal information, regardless of how legitimate the sender appears.