Americans have lost a record $16 billion in cybercrime, according to a recent report from the FBI.
The annual Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report shows the latest trends and statistics in cybercrime and related financial losses and victim reports.
The $16 billion in losses is a 33% rise over the previous year.
Victims most commonly report being targeted through phishing and spoofing attacks, extortion schemes, and personal data breaches. These tactics are often just the beginning. Once cybercriminals gain access, they frequently escalate to more financially devastating schemes.
Older adults continue to be disproportionately targeted by cybercriminals. The 60+ demographic reported nearly $5 billion in losses, significantly higher than the $22.5 million lost by individuals under age 20. One growing tactic, the grandparent scam, involves criminals posing as distressed family members in need of emergency funds. Romance scams, typically posted online, are also growing among older adults who may be less familiar with common online threats. The FBI has also flagged toll scams and gold courier scams as emerging threats to watch.
States and Age Groups Hit Hardest
Cybercrime is prevalent nationwide, but some states report more losses than others:
- California: $2.5 billion in reported losses
- Texas: $1.3 billion
- Florida: $1 billion
How to Stay Protected in 2025
As scammers use artificial intelligence to execute increasingly convincing schemes, it’s critical to stay vigilant. Here are some ways to protect your data:
- Think before you click. Avoid links in unsolicited emails or texts.
- Guard your personal information. Legitimate companies won’t ask for sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank login over the phone.
- Strengthen your passwords. Use multi-factor authentication to secure your accounts.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. If you must use it, connect through a secure VPN.
- Question urgency. Scammers often create false emergencies to pressure you into transferring money quickly.
At Enfortra, our identity theft protection software monitors your clients’ and members’ personal information 24/7 and alerts them to suspicious activity—so they can take action before damage is done.
