Americans lost a massive $2.1 billion to scams that started on social media in 2025, according to a new report from the Federal Trade Commission.
The agency said losses from social media scams have grown eight times higher in recent years, making social platforms the most costly contact method used by scammers.
Nearly 30% of people who reported scam losses said the fraud began on social media. Facebook was linked to more scam losses than any other platform, while WhatsApp and Instagram ranked second and third. People reported losing more money through Facebook scams alone than through scams started by text messages or email.
Shopping scams were the most common type last year. More than 40% of victims said they bought products they saw in ads, including clothes, cosmetics, car parts, and even puppies. Many were redirected to suspicious websites, while others landed on fake versions of well-known brand stores offering unrealistic discounts.
Investment scams were another major threat. Fraudsters used ads and posts promising to teach investing, while some pretended to be helpful advisers or created fake WhatsApp groups filled with false success stories. These investment scams caused around $1.1 billion in losses.
Romance scams also remained a serious problem. Nearly 60% of people who lost money in romance scams said the fraud started on social media. Scammers often study a person’s profile, build trust, then create fake emergencies asking for money. Some later push victims toward fake investment platforms.
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The FTC advises users to tighten privacy settings, limit who can view posts and contact lists, never let online strangers guide investment decisions, and research sellers carefully before buying. It also recommends searching a company name together with words like “scam” or “complaint” before making a purchase.
