Americans lost billions of dollars to scammers last year, and investigators say the biggest danger isn’t coming from phone calls or emails anymore. The largest threats are on social media.
New data from the Federal Trade Commission shows nearly 30 percent of scam victims in 2025 said their experience started on social media. Total losses? $2.1 billion.
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That’s an eightfold increase since 2020, highlighting just how quickly these scams are growing.
How scammers are targeting you:
- Target you based on your interests and shopping habits
- Study what you post online
- Even impersonate businesses or people you trust
Scammers are getting more sophisticated by using algorithms, ads and personal data to their advantage, according to the FTC. In many cases, victims don’t realize they’re being scammed until it’s too late.
Where the biggest losses are happening:
When it comes to platforms, companies owned by Meta Platforms account for the largest share of reported losses, about $1.4 billion:
- Facebook: $745 million
- WhatsApp: $425 million
- Instagram: $234 million
Facebook alone accounted for more losses than text or email scams combined, according to the FTC.
The most common scams on social media:
Investment scams -Victims lost the most money here, about $1.1 billion -These often start with ads or messages promising quick profits or “expert” advice
Shopping scams - The most commonly reported - Many involve fake ads or websites selling products that never arrive
Romance scams - Often begin with a simple message -Scammers build trust, then ask for money, or steer victims into fake investments
How to protect yourself:
- Lock down your privacy settings to limit what scammers can see
- Don’t take investment advice from strangers online
- Research companies before you buy, especially from social media ads
If you believe you’ve encountered a scam, report it immediately at ReportFraud.gov.
The FTC says reporting scams not only helps investigators track patterns, but could help prevent others from becoming victims.