The FBI recently released its annual internet crime complaint report for 2025, noting a marked increase in cryptocurrency and AI scams. In total, Americans were defrauded or nearly $21 billion, with phishing/spoofing, extortion, and investment schemes among the most frequently reported complaints. (Click for the full FBI 2025 Internet Crime Report.) In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a release on New FTC Data Showing People Have Lost Billions to Social Media Scams, noting that reported losses increased eight-fold since 2020, citing social media as the costliest fraud contact method. “The data also show that all age groups, with the exception of those 80 and over, reported losing more money to scams that started on social media than any other contact method. And social media ranked second after phone calls for those 80 and over.”
Protecting Against Fraud and Identity Theft
The FBI offers an excellent resource – Common Frauds and Scams – which discusses 20 common types of fraud, from phishing and skimming to tech support schemes and investment fraud. It offers prevention tips for each. We’ve previously posted various tips and resources on fraud and scams. See 14 Tips to Protect Yourself from Cyber and Phone Fraud and Don’t Get Fooled: Protect Yourself from AI-Driven Scams. As an update, we’ve collected and summarized a variety of fraud prevention tips from experts – click the links for more information, details, and resources.
National Insurance Crime Bureau: Protect Your Identity
- Lock your credit report
- Secure online personally identifying information (PII)
- Leverage a password manager
- Create unique user IDs and passwords for every platform
- Never carry your Social Security card and passport unless absolutely necessary
- Never reveal personal information to an unknown caller
- Never reveal personal information on an unsecured site
- Use two-factor authentication protocols if available
Motley Fool: 5 Steps That Dramatically Cut Your Risk of Identity Theft in 2026
1. Make it harder to open accounts in your name
2. Stop giving thieves a direct line to your cash
3. Keep as little money as necessary in a checking account
4. Stop using the same password everywhere
5. Track what matters, not what looks impressive
Fraud.org: Fraud prevention tips
- Know who you’re dealing with
- Pay the safest way
- Guard your personal information
- Be cautious about unsolicited emails
- Resist pressure
- Don’t believe promises of easy money
- Fully understand the offer
- Get off credit marketing lists
- Check your credit reports regularly
- Be cautious about offers for credit monitoring services
Additional Resources