Most US fraud cases start via social media

Last year, scammers on social networks defrauded US citizens of around $2.1 billion. This is according to a report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which collects and analyzes fraud reports from the USA, among other things.

According to the FTC, fraud via social media caused higher losses than any other contact channel. Almost 30 percent of those affected by fraud stated that it began on social networks. The resulting losses have increased eightfold since 2020, writes the agency.

Social networks are the preferred choice for scammers because they offer easy access to billions of people from anywhere, making fraud possible with minimal effort. The FTC estimates that the actual losses from fraud are much higher, as not all fraud cases are reported to the agency.

The highest losses were incurred through contacts initiated on Facebook (see diagram below). The other meta platforms, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, follow at a considerable distance in second and third place. According to the diagram, fraud also occurs on other platforms such as Telegram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X, but to a lesser extent. According to the FTC, Facebook alone incurred greater fraud damage than fraud via SMS or email.

Three typical scam tactics on social media

The FTC names three common scam patterns on social networks. Investment fraud cases caused the largest financial damage ($1.1 billion). Such scams often start with ads or posts that are supposed to help with investing, or with fake advisors and manipulated WhatsApp groups that feign success.

Fake shops and purchase fraud are the most widespread. More than 40 percent of those who lost money through fraud on social networks stated that they had ordered products from social media ads. These are often not delivered or come from fake shops that imitate well-known brands.

Another popular scam is romance fraud – and social networks play a central role in this. Almost 60 percent of people who lost money to romance fraud in 2025 stated that the contact began on a social media platform. Perpetrators specifically target individuals via their profiles, build trust, and then use fabricated emergencies or supposed investment opportunities to obtain money. Other scammers, on the other hand, trick people into sending intimate photos and then threaten to send them to their social media contacts if they don't pay.

Based on this, the FTC provides obvious tips for avoiding fraud: Users should restrict their privacy settings, not make investment decisions based solely on online contacts, and thoroughly check providers for signs of fraud or complaints before making online purchases.

(afl)