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The FBI reports Americans lost nearly $21 billion to cybercrime in 2025, with cryptocurrency and AI-powered fraud driving record losses.
Americans reported nearly $21 billion in losses from cybercrime in 2025, the highest total recorded by the FBI in more than two decades of tracking internet crime [1]. The agency’s annual report highlights a surge in fraud involving cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, with investment scams remaining the costliest category [2].
Key takeaways
Cryptocurrency-related fraud accounted for the largest share of financial losses, totaling more than $11 billion, according to the FBI [2]. Investment scams, which often involve building trust over time before disappearing with funds, caused $8.6 billion in damage, with cryptocurrency making up almost three-quarters of these incidents [2]. Business email compromise schemes, where criminals pose as trusted vendors or executives to divert payments, also contributed significantly, costing at least $3 billion in 2025 [2].
For the first time, the FBI formally tracked AI-related fraud, documenting more than 22,000 complaints and approximately $893 million in losses [1]. Scammers are utilizing the technology to clone voices, generate convincing emails, and create fake profiles or videos to sell fraudulent investments [1][2]. Special Agent Dominique Evans of the FBI Norfolk Field Office noted that while criminals can clone voices or images, there are often "strange nuances" that can alert victims [4]. The agency warns that AI is making traditional red flags harder to spot and allows fraud to scale more easily [3].
The FBI warns that cyber threats will continue to evolve as emerging technologies like AI become more integrated into daily life [3]. Older adults reported the highest losses of any demographic, underscoring the vulnerability of specific populations to sophisticated schemes [1][3]. Law enforcement agencies urge victims to report incidents quickly through the Internet Crime Complaint Center to aid in potential recovery efforts [2].
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 4 outlets · May 31, 2026 · How we report
A Crypto Scam involving an ATM typically begins when a fraudster contacts a victim, posing as a bank or fraud representative to create a sense of urgency. The scammer convinces the victim to withdraw cash and deposit it into a cryptocurrency ATM, falsely claiming the funds will be moved to a secure account.
A Crypto Scam classified as a wallet drainer is a phishing-based fraud where attackers trick users into connecting their digital wallets to malicious websites. Once connected, the user is prompted to sign transactions that grant the attacker permission to siphon tokens from the wallet.
Crypto Scam funds are difficult to recover because cryptocurrency transactions are often finalized very quickly and are typically irreversible. This speed makes it challenging for law enforcement or financial institutions to track the movement of stolen assets and return them to the victim.
To protect against a Crypto Scam, the FBI recommends independently verifying the identity of anyone contacting you and never sharing personal information with unsolicited callers. Additionally, users should treat any pressure to act immediately as a warning sign and consult a trusted person before transferring money.