WASHINGTON, D.C. — Social media fraud has surged to record levels in 2025, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), with Americans losing billions of dollars to scams spread across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and encrypted messaging apps.
The FTC’s latest Consumer Sentinel Network report shows that scams originating on social platforms now account for nearly half of all fraud losses, driven by fake investment opportunities, online shopping scams, impersonation attacks, romance fraud, and identity theft.
These findings are consistent with patterns highlighted by the Consumer Finance Review Board (CFRB) in its education series, including
“First Steps to Protect Yourself From Phone, Text, Email & Social Media Scams (2025–2026 Guide).”
📊 Social Media Fraud Losses Hit All-Time High
According to FTC data:
- Total losses from social media scams exceeded $3.8 billion in 2024
- Early 2025 reports show losses on pace to surpass $5 billion
- Nearly 1 in 4 victims were contacted first through social media
- Younger adults (18–35) are now the primary targets
- Fraud reports tied to online platforms rose more than 300% since 2022
The FTC warns that algorithms designed to promote engagement are being exploited by criminals who create viral content, fake ads, and impersonation profiles.
FTC spokesperson Cristina Miranda stated:
“Social media gives scammers a direct communication channel to millions of Americans. Their messages appear trusted because they look like people you follow or brands you recognize.”
🎭 Top Social Media Scams Dominating in 2025
CFRB’s fraud analysts identify the following as the fastest-growing categories:
✔ Investment Scams (Crypto, Stocks, Day Trading)
- Fake “financial mentors” promising high returns
- Fraudulent crypto groups on Telegram & Discord
- Deepfake celebrity endorsements
- Fake “guaranteed profit” programs
These represent the largest financial losses.
✔ Online Shopping Scams
Common red flags:
- Items “on sale” at impossible prices
- Fake retail stores
- Ads that redirect to fraudulent checkout pages
- Influencer impersonations promoting scam products
FTC notes that the majority of complaints involve products that never arrive.
✔ Romance & Relationship Scams
Scammers use:
- Fake profiles
- AI-generated selfies
- Voice-cloned phone calls
- Emotional manipulation
- “Emergency” money requests
Losses from romance fraud remain among the highest.
✔ Influencer Impersonation Scams
Criminals clone:
- Business coaches
- Fitness influencers
- Financial educators
- Crypto traders
- Celebrities
Then they invite victims to “private investment groups” that lead to fraudulent payment requests.
✔ Fake Giveaway & Prize Scams
Younger users are especially targeted by:
- “You’ve won!” contests
- Free product giveaways
- Micro-influencer promos
- Fake brand ambassador opportunities
Victims are tricked into paying for:
- Shipping
- Customs
- Verification fees
All of which are fraudulent.
📱 Why Social Media Is So Dangerous for Consumers
CFRB analysts outline several key reasons:
✔ High trust environment
Users trust content from people they follow or influencers they admire.
✔ Identity theft made easy
Scammers use stolen personal info to tailor messages and impersonate friends.
✔ Unregulated advertising ecosystems
Platforms allow millions of paid ads with minimal screening.
✔ Unencrypted direct messaging
Once in a DM thread, criminals build rapport quickly.
✔ AI-generated images & profiles
Fake accounts look more real than ever.
✔ Emotional manipulation
Scammers exploit loneliness, fear, excitement, and urgency.
🔍 How Criminals Find and Target Victims
The FTC warns that cybercriminals gather public information from:
- Facebook profiles
- Instagram stories
- LinkedIn job details
- TikTok videos
- YouTube comment history
- Data broker websites
This information is then blended with AI tools to create highly personalized scams.
CFRB’s fraud education series notes that data broker exposure is now one of the biggest drivers of targeted fraud.
🚨 What To Do If You See Suspicious Social Media Activity
FTC recommends:
1. Do not click suspect links
especially those offering crypto returns, cash giveaways, or exclusive offers.
2. Never send money or gift cards to someone you haven’t met in person
3. Verify influencer accounts
Check for blue checks, official URLs, and cross-platform consistency.
4. Report scams immediately to:
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- IC3.gov
- The social platform’s “Report” or “Fake Account” tool
5. Enable two-factor authentication
on all social media accounts to prevent account hijacking.
🔐 Recommended Tools for Social Media Fraud Prevention
CFRB’s guide highlights several key services that protect consumers:
✔ Data Broker Removal & Privacy Protection
- Optery
- DeleteMe
- Kanary
These services reduce personal data exposure that scammers exploit.
✔ Cybersecurity & Monitoring
- Aura
- LifeLock
These provide identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and dark web alerts.
📌 Final Takeaway
The FTC warns that social media fraud is now one of the fastest-growing and most dangerous forms of consumer deception.
In 2025, scammers are using AI-generated images, impersonation bots, and data-driven targeting to deceive millions of Americans.
Consumers must stay skeptical, verify identities, and follow proven protection steps — many of which are outlined in CFRB’s comprehensive fraud education guide.
For deeper strategies, see:
First Steps to Protect Yourself From Phone, Text, Email & Social Media Scams (2025–2026 Guide).