WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission has released new data showing that people reported losing $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with losses increasing nearly three times since 2020.
Imposter scams were the most reported fraud category last year, with nearly one in three fraud reports involving impersonation. Scammers used text messages, phone calls, email, social media, search engine results and other methods to lure consumers.
Some of the costliest scams begin with fake security alerts, often appearing to come from a bank. Victims are convinced to move money to “protect” it, with losses often limited only by available funds.
Last year, people reported losing nearly $1 billion to business impersonators, with the highest losses tied to bank impersonators. Losses to government impersonators reached about $920 million, up from $866 million in 2024.
Overall reported fraud losses totaled about $16 billion in 2025, the highest on record and an increase of about 25% compared to 2024.
“Consumers derive enormous benefits from competitive markets built on truthful information,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “But fraud undermines that foundation, impeding the market process and preventing markets from operating efficiently. The FTC will use every tool available to combat one of the most pernicious forms of fraud—government and business impersonation—and to protect the integrity of the digital economy.”
The data highlight the FTC’s work with the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to raise awareness of imposter scams affecting older adults and other consumers. This year, the FTC, along with the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services and EJCC members, is leading the Never Ever campaign.
The campaign runs from June 15 to June 26 in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It promotes key actions that government and businesses will “Never Ever” take and directs consumers to resources on avoiding and reporting imposter scams.
Partners include the American Bankers Association, USTelecom, Google and Microsoft.
To combat impersonation scams, the FTC finalized the Impersonation Rule in 2024, giving the agency stronger tools to pursue federal court cases, seek redress for consumers and impose civil penalties. Since then, the FTC has brought a dozen enforcement actions, halting imposter schemes and obtaining over $70 million in redress.
In 2025, the FTC took action under the rule against American Tax Service, MediaAlpha, Click Profit, Blackstone Legal and Accelerated Debt Settlement. In April 2026, the FTC filed a complaint against Innovative Partners, alleging operators impersonated the government and large insurance carriers to sell inadequate health insurance plans.
Southern Maryland residents can protect themselves by recognizing common red flags, such as unsolicited requests to move money or provide personal information, and by verifying contacts directly through official channels.
Consumers who encounter a government impersonation scam should report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Additional data on government impersonation scams are available on the FTC’s data dashboards.
