CyberIntel ⬡ News
★ Saved ◆ Cyber Reads
← Back ✉ Email Security May 12, 2026

Cryptocurrency and AI Scams Bilk Americans of Billions | Federal Bureau of Investigation - fbi.gov

fbi.gov Archived May 12, 2026 ✓ Full text saved

Cryptocurrency and AI Scams Bilk Americans of Billions | Federal Bureau of Investigation fbi.gov

Full text archived locally
✦ AI Summary · Claude Sonnet


    An official website of the United States government. Here's how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. News Stories News Blog Press Releases Podcasts Videos Speeches and Testimony Photos Social Media Apps Washington, D.C. FBI National Press Office (202) 324-3691 Share on X X.com Share on Facebook Facebook Email Email April 6, 2026 Cryptocurrency and AI Scams Bilk Americans of Billions FBI releases annual internet crime complaint report The FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report shows cyber-enabled crimes defrauded Americans of nearly $21 billion, with cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence-related complaints among the costliest. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 1,008,597 total complaints, an increase from 859,532 in 2024. Phishing/spoofing, extortion, and investment schemes were the most frequently reported complaints. Americans over 60 reported approximately $7.7 billion in losses, up 37% from 2024. The IC3 received approximately 453,000 cyber-enabled fraud complaints, with reported losses exceeding $17.7 billion. Investment fraud remains the primary driver, accounting for nearly 49% of all scam-related losses. Americans who submitted complaints involving cryptocurrency reported the highest losses, with 181,565 complaints totaling more than $11 billion. In 2024, the FBI launched Operation Level Up, a proactive initiative to identify and notify people who are currently falling victim to cryptocurrency investment fraud. Since its inception, the initiative has surpassed 8,000 total victims notified and reduced losses by more than $500 million. In 2026, the FBI launched Operation Winter SHIELD, highlighting concrete steps organizations can take to bolster their digital security. Costly tactics used by scammers also include compromised corporate e-mails, tech support fraud, and personal data breaches. For the first time in its nearly 25-year history, the IC3 report features a section on artificial intelligence, which accounts for 22,364 complaints, costing Americans nearly $893 million. Scammers rely on pressure techniques to defraud Americans while deploying fake social profiles, voice clones, identification documents, and believable videos depicting public figures or loved ones. The FBI urges everyone to “Take a Beat” to identify the red flags of a potential scam. Resist pressure to act quickly and assess the situation before turning over money or personal information. IC3 receives nearly 3,000 complaints per day. If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local FBI office or submit a complaint at ic3.gov as soon as possible. You should document the name of the scammer/company, methods of contact, dates of contact, methods of payment, where funds have been sent, and a thorough description of the interactions. FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report Most Wanted Ten Most Wanted Fugitives Terrorism Kidnappings / Missing Persons Seeking Information Bank Robbers ECAP ViCAP FBI Jobs Submit a Tip Crime Statistics History FOIPA Scams & Safety FBI Kids News Stories Videos Press Releases Speeches and Testimony Podcasts and Radio Photos Español Apps How We Can Help You Law Enforcement Victims Parents and Caregivers Students Businesses Safety Resources Need an FBI Service or More Information? What We Investigate Terrorism Counterintelligence Cyber Crime Public Corruption Civil Rights Organized Crime White-Collar Crime Violent Crime WMD About Mission & Priorities Leadership & Structure Partnerships Community Outreach FAQs Contact Us Field Offices FBI Headquarters Visit the FBI Experience Overseas Offices Additional Resources Accessibility eRulemaking Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Legal Notices Legal Policies & Disclaimers Privacy Policy USA.gov White House No FEAR Act Equal Opportunity FBI FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FBI.gov Contact Center Search FBI HOME MOST WANTED NEWS STORIES NEWS BLOG PRESS RELEASES PODCASTS VIDEOS SPEECHES AND TESTIMONY PHOTOS SOCIAL MEDIA APPS WHAT WE INVESTIGATE HOW WE INVESTIGATE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU SUBMIT A TIP ABOUT CONTACT US CRIME STATISTICS PHOTOS VIDEO OUTREACH HISTORY FOIA SCAMS & SAFETY FBI KIDS FBI JOBS emailStay Connected Get FBI email alerts Subscribe No Thanks ×
    💬 Team Notes
    Article Info
    Source
    fbi.gov
    Category
    ✉ Email Security
    Published
    May 12, 2026
    Archived
    May 12, 2026
    Full Text
    ✓ Saved locally
    Open Original ↗