The FTC says Americans lost at least $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025

Source: Engadget

Overview

Americans lost at least $2.1 billion in 2025 to scams that originated on social media, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This represents an eight‑fold increase since 2020.

Types of Scams

• Investment scams – $1.1 billion lost in 2024. These often began with a post or ad promising a program to teach investing.
• Shopping‑related ads – Over 40 % of victims said these ads led them to unfamiliar websites.
• Romance scams – Highlighted by the FTC as a growing problem on social platforms.
• Other internet scams – The FBI reported nearly $21 billion lost to internet‑related crimes in 2025, with more than half tied to cryptocurrency scams.
• Artificial‑intelligence scams – Cost Americans around $893 million last year.

Platform Breakdown

• Facebook – The primary source of social‑media scams.
• WhatsApp and Instagram – Reported as distant second and third sources, respectively.

A lawsuit filed against Meta (owner of all three platforms) alleges the company misled users about scam ads. Reports indicate Meta earned billions from ads promoting scams and illegal products in 2025.

Law Enforcement Data

• FTC – Provides the $2.1 billion figure and offers consumer‑protection advice.
• FBI – Reports the broader $21 billion loss to internet‑related crimes, emphasizing that many victims do not file complaints.

Protection Tips

• Limit the reach of your social‑media posts to reduce the amount of personal information available to scammers.
• Do not let someone you have met only on social media direct your investment decisions.
• Before purchasing, search the company’s name together with “scam” or “complaint.”
• Conduct your own research; if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.