WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly one in three scam victims who lost money in 2025 said the fraud began on social media, with total reported losses reaching $2.1 billion, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission.
What This Means for You
- Scammers are increasingly using social media to target victims
- Investment and shopping scams account for most losses
- Privacy settings and research before purchases can help reduce risk
The FTC reported that social media scams now generate more financial losses than any other contact method, with reported losses increasing eightfold since 2020.
Officials said the scale of social media platforms — which allow advertisers to target users by age, interests, and behavior — has made it easier for scammers to reach potential victims at low cost.
Where the Scams Are Happening
Among platforms, Facebook accounted for the highest reported losses in 2025, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram.
Losses tied to scams originating on Facebook alone exceeded those reported for scams that began through text messages or email.
The data also show that nearly every age group reported losing more money to social media scams than through any other method, except individuals age 80 and older, who reported higher losses from phone-based scams.
Most Common Types of Scams
The FTC identified several major categories of fraud originating on social media.
Investment scams caused the greatest financial losses, totaling $1.1 billion in 2025. These schemes often involve ads or messages promising investment training or opportunities, sometimes supported by fake testimonials or online groups posing as successful investors.
Shopping scams were the most frequently reported. More than 40% of victims said they purchased items advertised on social media — ranging from clothing to electronics — that were never delivered or misrepresented.
Romance scams also remain widespread. Nearly 60% of reported losses in this category began on social media, where scammers often build relationships before requesting money or steering victims toward fraudulent investments.
How to Protect Yourself
The FTC advises consumers to limit the amount of personal information visible on social media profiles, reducing the data scammers can use to target individuals.
Officials also recommend avoiding financial advice from people met only online and researching unfamiliar companies before making purchases.
Consumers can learn more about spotting, avoiding, and reporting scams — and how to recover money after paying a scammer — at ftc.gov/scams. Suspected scams can be reported to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Broader Trend
The agency said the continued rise in social media-based scams reflects both the growing reach of digital platforms and evolving tactics used by fraudsters.
Officials urged consumers to remain cautious when interacting with unfamiliar accounts or offers online.
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