Scams in America Reach Record High, Leaving Victims with Little Recourse
A record $15.9 billion in losses was reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last year, marking a 25% increase from 2024 and likely a huge undercount.
The FTC estimates real losses in 2024 were close to $200 billion, about $550 million every day.
An investigation by The Associated Press and FRONTLINE found that despite attempts by both the Trump administration and Congress to fight scams, victims still have little recourse. Ninety-eight percent of Americans suspect they have been targeted with scam messages, many every day.
The 58 victims interviewed by the AP/FRONTLINE ranged from IT professionals and academics to people just trying to make ends meet. Several said they contemplated suicide, and two attempted it. Only one got money back, from her bank.