Crypto Usage Among Americans Reaches 10 Percent in 2025

In 2025, approximately 10% of Americans engaged with cryptocurrency, marking an increase in usage compared to the previous year [2]. While digital asset participation has expanded, the rise in activity has coincided with a significant surge in financial fraud targeting individuals through online investment schemes [2].

Key takeaways

• Roughly 10% of the U.S. population utilized cryptocurrency in 2025 [2].
• Crypto investment scams resulted in $7.2 billion in reported losses for Americans in 2025 [2].
• Investment fraud accounted for 49% of all cyber-related complaints filed with the FBI in 2025 [2].
• The FBI reported over 1 million total complaints regarding online crime last year, with total losses exceeding $20 billion [2].

The Rise of Crypto-Related Fraud

The growth in cryptocurrency adoption has been accompanied by sophisticated criminal activity. According to the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) annual report, crypto investment scams emerged as the most costly type of fraud in the United States last year [2]. Scammers frequently utilize platforms like social media, dating apps, and text messages to contact potential victims, often masquerading as legitimate investment operations [2].

These fraudulent entities often create websites designed to mimic real investment platforms, allowing victims to track fake, steadily increasing profits [2]. When victims attempt to withdraw their funds, scammers typically invent excuses or demand additional fees to prevent the extraction of money [2]. The FBI noted that these figures likely represent an undercount, as many victims do not report their losses to federal authorities [2].

Emerging Threats and Regulatory Shifts

The landscape of digital crime is evolving alongside new technology. The 2025 IC3 report marked the first time the FBI included a specific section on artificial intelligence, documenting 22,364 complaints related to AI-assisted crimes that resulted in $893 million in losses [2]. Criminals are increasingly using AI-generated audio, video deepfakes, and fake documents to impersonate public figures and convince victims of their legitimacy [2].

While some sectors of the economy are integrating crypto-adjacent technology, such as the federally regulated prediction market platforms that emerged in late 2025, these services often require users to navigate strict federal compliance [1]. For instance, platforms like Polymarket require users to complete full "Know Your Customer" (KYC) protocols and deposit funds via traditional banking methods rather than connecting crypto wallets, a requirement imposed by federal regulation [1].

Why it matters

The increase in crypto usage highlights a dual trend of mainstream integration and heightened security risks. As more Americans interact with digital assets, the prevalence of sophisticated, AI-enhanced scams poses a significant challenge to consumer safety. With the FBI reporting that investment fraud now accounts for nearly half of all cyber-related complaints, the gap between technological adoption and public awareness remains a critical area of concern for regulators and the public alike [2].