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Americans lost $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025, according to new Federal Trade Commission data, with losses now far higher than they were several years ago.
Good to Know
The FTC said social media produced higher scam losses than any other contact method in 2025. Reported losses have risen eightfold, and Facebook accounted for more money lost than text or email scams.
WhatsApp and Instagram ranked second and third, but both sat well behind Facebook in reported cases. The data shows how scammers use familiar platforms to reach victims through ads, posts, messages, and fake groups.
Shopping scams made up the largest number of reports. More than 40% of people who lost money to social media scams said they bought an item after seeing an ad. Common products included clothing, cosmetics, car parts, and puppies. Some ads sent users to unknown websites, while others copied major brands and offered fake discounts.
Investment fraud caused the biggest financial damage. The FTC said social media investment scams led to $1.1 billion in losses. Many began with posts or ads promising investing lessons. Others used fake advisers, WhatsApp groups, and false testimonials to make the schemes look more believable.
Romance scams also leaned heavily on social media. Nearly 60% of people who lost money to romance scams said the first contact came through a social platform. Scammers often studied profiles, built trust, then asked for money after inventing an emergency. In some cases, they moved victims into fake investment platforms instead.
The FTC advised users to limit who can view posts and contacts, avoid taking investment guidance from people met online, and research sellers before buying. The agency also recommended searching company names with terms such as “scam” or “complaint.”