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The State of Scams USA 2025 Report: A Wake-Up Call for Americans

A recent report has unveiled a startling reality for Americans regarding online fraud. The State of Scams USA 2025 report, conducted by Iris Powered by Generali in collaboration with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), reveals that a staggering 77% of Americans encountered some form of scam in the past year. This striking statistic represents a serious concern, as it translates to a collective loss of approximately $64 billion.

This extensive survey involved over 2,500 participants and was designed to assess the frequency of scam encounters, the various methods used by scammers, and the challenges faced by victims when attempting to reclaim their lost funds. The findings indicate that on average, individuals faced an astonishing 377 scams per year, suggesting that many Americans are exposed to scams almost daily.

The Impact of Scams on Victims

Out of those surveyed, 70% reported having fallen victim to a scam within the last twelve months. A significant 20% of these individuals suffered financial losses, with the average reported loss reaching a troubling $1,086.70. Despite these alarming figures, the recovery process remains challenging. While most victims (about 82%) attempted to report their experiences to banks or payment services, only 44% managed to recover at least some of their lost funds. This raises questions about the effectiveness of existing platforms in addressing scam reports and protecting consumers.

Scammers' Tactics and Channels

The report highlights that 80% of scam encounters initiated through digital platforms, underscoring the increasing sophistication of scammers. Text messages, emails, and phone calls were the primary methods utilized by fraudsters to lure unsuspecting victims. Popular applications like Gmail, Facebook, and Instagram were primarily linked to scams, while platforms like Twitter, Snapchat, and Telegram were slow to respond to scam reports.

Despite the overwhelming response from victims attempting to report scams, more than half (about 57%) of them felt that no significant actions were taken by the respective platforms. This lack of response has led many individuals to conclude that reporting scams may be futile, with 18% of respondents claiming that they did not report their experiences based on this assumption.

Paige Schaffer, CEO of Iris Powered by Generali, expressed concern over this ongoing issue, emphasizing that support is lacking for consumers experiencing scams. “Scams are evolving and becoming more sophisticated every day. We believe that protection should be a standard, not a luxury,” she stated.

Toward a Safer Online Environment

To combat this growing issue, GASA is committed to fostering inter-organizational collaboration and refining policies to strengthen protections for scam victims. Jorij Abraham, Managing Director at GASA, comments, “In many cases, Americans are already the first line of defense against scams, yet they often find themselves underserved. Our mission is to implement effective solutions that can help restore trust and support those affected.”

This report acts as a precursor to Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM), which kicks off on October 1. As a part of their initiative, Iris is launching an educational campaign focused on equipping consumers with practical tools designed to enhance online safety. This includes interactive quizzes that delve into crucial cybersecurity practices.

For individuals interested in discussing these findings further, Iris and GASA will host a webinar titled “Scams in America: Breaking the Cycle of Daily Fraud,” featuring industry experts who will provide insights on the report and discuss strategies to better protect consumers.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so must our approach to combating scams. By empowering consumers with knowledge and resources, we may take significant steps toward creating a safer online environment for all.