WASHINGTON, D.C. — Americans reported losing $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, nearly triple the amount reported five years earlier, as fraudsters increasingly used fake identities and digital channels to convince consumers to hand over money, according to new data released by the Federal Trade Commission.
Imposter scams were the most frequently reported type of fraud last year, accounting for nearly one-third of all fraud reports received by the agency. The FTC reported that total consumer fraud losses across all categories reached approximately $16 billion in 2025, a record high and about 25% above 2024 levels.
The figures highlight the growing financial impact of scams in which criminals pose as banks, government agencies, businesses, or other trusted organizations to gain access to victims’ funds.
According to the FTC, some of the largest losses stemmed from fake security alerts purportedly issued by financial institutions. Consumers were persuaded to transfer money to accounts represented as secure locations, often losing substantial portions of their savings.
Reported losses to business impersonation scams totaled nearly $1 billion in 2025, while losses tied to government impersonators reached about $920 million. Those figures increased from approximately $866 million and $789 million, respectively, in 2024.
“Fraud undermines that foundation, impeding the market process and preventing markets from operating efficiently,” Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated. He added that the agency intends to use “every tool available” to combat government and business impersonation schemes.
The FTC released the data as part of a broader federal effort to raise awareness of imposter scams, particularly among older Americans, who are often targeted by fraud operations.
Working through the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, the FTC has joined the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, and private-sector organizations in the “Never Ever” consumer education campaign, which runs through June 26.
The initiative aims to educate consumers about tactics commonly used by impersonators and reinforce actions that legitimate businesses and government agencies will not request, such as transferring money to protect funds or providing sensitive information through unsolicited communications.
Private-sector participants in the campaign include the American Bankers Association, USTelecom, Google, and Microsoft.
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