The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has disclosed that social media platforms have emerged as a primary source of online scams across the country. Fresh data indicates that nearly 30% of individuals who reported financial losses due to scams in 2025 stated that the fraudulent activity originated on social media platforms.
Rising Losses from Social Media Fraud
According to the FTC, reported losses stemming from social media scams reached $2.1 billion in 2025. This figure represents an eightfold increase compared to 2020 and surpasses losses from any other method employed by scammers to contact potential victims. The agency emphasized that this trend highlights the growing threat posed by social media-based fraud.
Facebook Leads in Reported Losses
The FTC data reveals that individuals reported losing more money to scams originating on Meta-owned Facebook than on any other platform. WhatsApp and Instagram ranked second and third, respectively. Notably, losses from Facebook scams alone exceeded the total reported losses from text message or email scams. This underscores the platform's dominance as a vector for fraudulent schemes.
Age Groups Affected
The data also shows that all age groups, except those aged 80 and over, reported higher losses from scams that began on social media compared to any other contact method. For individuals aged 80 and above, social media ranked second after phone calls. This indicates that social media scams are pervasive across most demographics.
Types of Social Media Scams Highlighted by FTC
In a press release, the FTC identified three prominent types of scams on social media:
Investment Scams
Investment scams accounted for the highest financial losses, with $1.1 billion reported in 2025—more than half of the total amount lost to social media scams. These scams often began with an advertisement or post offering a program to teach investment strategies. Other scammers posed as friendly advisors or created WhatsApp groups filled with fake testimonials from so-called successful investors.
Shopping Scams
Shopping scams were the most frequently reported type of social media scam in 2025. Over 40% of individuals who lost money to a social media scam reported ordering an item they saw in a social media advertisement. These items ranged from clothing and makeup to car parts and even puppies. Many ads directed users to unfamiliar websites, while others impersonated well-known brands offering substantial discounts.
Romance Scams
Romance scams also thrive on social media. Nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 indicated that the interaction began on a social media platform. Scammers often tailored their approach based on individuals' profiles, later fabricating a crisis requiring financial assistance or casually offering investment advice to lure victims onto fake investment platforms.
FTC Advice for Users
To help consumers avoid scams on social media, the FTC recommends the following precautions:
- Limit visibility: Restrict who can view your posts and contacts on social media by adjusting privacy settings. This reduces the information available to scammers.
- Be cautious with investment advice: Never allow someone you have only met on social media to direct your investment decisions. Educate yourself on how to identify investment scams.
- Research before purchasing: Before making a purchase, search online for the company's name along with terms like "scam" or "complaint" to verify its legitimacy.
By following these guidelines, users can better protect themselves from the growing threat of social media scams.
