EN
Scam Statistics in the USA
Here are some eye‑opening numbers that show just how serious online fraud has become in America:
- Billions of dollars are lost every year.
- Scams range from fake investment schemes to phishing emails and phone calls.
- Victims aren't just losing money they're losing trust, security, and peace of mind.
Scammers are hitting Americans harder than anywhere else in the world. Every year, millions of people lose money — sometimes even their entire life savings — to fraud. It's heartbreaking, but it's also a wake‑up call.
The good news? The U.S. government isn't standing still. Different agencies are working together to make reporting scams easier and to crack down on fraudsters.
Just to put things in perspective: in 2022 alone, Americans lost $8.8 billion to scams and fraud. That's the highest amount ever recorded.
So, what happens if you fall victim to a scam? Who do you turn to? And how can you protect yourself before it's too late? Let's break it down.
| Country | Population | Internet Penetration | # of Scams | Scams / 1,000 | Money Lost | Money Lost / Capita | Money Lost / Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 331.4M | 95% | 2.26M | 6.82 | $3.3B | $9.96 | $1.46K |
| 2021 | 332.1M | 94% | 2.80M | 8.43 | $5.8B | $17.47 | $2.07K |
| 2022 | 334.0M | 94% | 2.50M | 7.49 | $8.8B | $26.35 | $3.52K |
| 2023 | 336.8M | 95% | 2.60M | 7.72 | $10.0B | $29.69 | $3.85K |
| 2024 | 340.1M | 95% | 2.60M | 7.65 | $12.5B | $36.75 | $4.81K |
| 2025 | 341.8M | 96% | 2.70M | 7.90 | $14.0B | $40.96 | $5.19K |
The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Here's a structured draft of the USA, highlighting common scams and how victims can report them or seek help.
Common Scams
- Identity theft (credit card, Social Security number misuse)
- IRS/SSA imposter scams
- Romance scams and blackmail scams
- Online shopping fraud
Reporting Mechanisms
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via ReportFraud.ftc.gov (reportfraud.ftc.gov in Bing)
- USAGov provides guidance on where to report specific scams
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for financial scams
