The FBI has released alarming statistics revealing that Americans lost a staggering $11.366 billion to cryptocurrency fraud in 2025. This shocking figure, drawn from the agency’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) annual report, indicates that crypto fraud accounted for more than half of all cybercrime losses reported.
The IC3 report documented a total of 1,008,597 complaints spanning various cybercrime categories in 2025, resulting in overall losses of $20.877 billion. This represents a 26% increase in losses compared to 2024. Notably, cryptocurrency-related cases alone resulted in 181,565 complaints and a hefty $11.366 billion in losses.
The trend in crypto fraud is particularly striking, having surged from only approximately $27 million in losses back in 2017 to over $11 billion by 2025—a staggering increase of more than 400 times. The report highlights digital assets as one of the largest sources of financial harm currently monitored by the FBI, affirming the urgent attention needed in this area by law enforcement.
Investment Scams Drive Crypto Fraud Losses
The report detailed that the most significant proportion of crypto fraud stems from investment scams, which generated $7.2 billion in reported losses by the end of 2025. These scams have now become the leading cause of financial loss, overshadowing other fraud categories.
According to the FBI, investment scams frequently initiate via text messages, social media, dating applications, or online advertisements. Victims are misled to believe they are engaging in legitimate investment platforms or private group opportunities, which showcase artificial profits to entice more considerable investments.
These scams often employ tactics involving psychological manipulation, creating a façade of legitimacy, and taking advantage of the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies. Victims are commonly misled into paying additional purported taxes or fees before being able to withdraw their funds, after which the fraudsters vanish with their investments.
The report also draws connections between numerous scams and organized crime groups based in Southeast Asia, specifically naming Cambodia, Laos, and Burma as hotbeds for such criminal operations. Some of these locations reportedly exploit trafficked individuals as forced labor.
Crypto Payments in Various Fraud Types
Beyond investment schemes, the FBI report highlighted that cryptocurrency is widely utilized across multiple fraud categories. This digital currency was involved in 72% of tracked investment fraud transactions, as well as 43% of tech support scams and 40% of government impersonation schemes.
In total, investment fraud, inclusive of all types, amassed $8.648 billion in losses in 2025, with the cryptocurrency segment being the most substantial contributor. Additionally, scams involving crypto ATMs and kiosks yielded 13,460 complaints, resulting in losses of about $389 million.
Recovery scams also pose significant challenges, attracting individuals who have already been scammed with promises of fund recovery. The FBI recorded 10,516 complaints related to these scams, totaling $1.4 billion in losses for the year.
Older Americans are Particularly Vulnerable
The demographic most impacted by crypto fraud in 2025 was Americans aged 60 and older, who reported the highest losses totaling $4.43 billion across 44,555 complaints. Within the realm of investment fraud, this age group accounted for a significant $2.76 billion in losses, overshadowing younger cohorts.
Recognizing the need for intervention, the FBI has amplified initiatives to combat rising fraud, particularly through its Operation Level Up, launched in January 2024, which leverages IC3 data to identify ongoing scams. In 2025, this operation reached out to 3,780 victims, reportedly saving around $225.8 million.
A revealing statistic showed that 78% of those contacted were unaware they were victims of scams. Overall, since the inception of Operation Level Up, over $500 million has been recuperated. Concurrent efforts are also underway through a separate federal task force focused on dismantling scam structures linked to organized crime.
