Consumers lost $2.1B to social media scams in 2025, FTC reports

Source: TechCrunch

Image Credits: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto / Getty Images

Report Summary

Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, according to a new report from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Losses from social media scams increased eightfold and surpassed losses from any other scam delivery method.

• 30 % of people who reported losing money said the scheme began on social media.
• Facebook was the platform most associated with losses, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram.
• Losses on Facebook alone exceeded those from text‑message or email scams.

Types of Social Media Scams

Shopping Scams

• The most reported type of social media scam in 2025.
• Over 40 % of victims ordered items seen in ads (clothing, cosmetics, car parts, puppies, etc.).
• Ads often directed users to unfamiliar or counterfeit brand sites promising large discounts.

Investment Scams

• Ads or posts promising “how‑to‑invest” guidance.
• Scammers pose as friendly advisers or create WhatsApp groups with fake testimonials.
• These schemes accounted for $1.1 billion in losses.

Romance Scams

• Nearly 60 % of romance‑scam victims said the fraud started on a social media platform.
• Scammers tailor pitches to a victim’s profile, fabricate crises, or lure them with bogus investment advice.

Consumer Protection Tips

• Limit who can see your posts and contacts.
• Never let someone you met online direct your investment decisions.
• Research products and companies before purchasing; search the company name with “scam” or “complaint.”

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