Category Protection

Social Security scams are on the rise in 2025, and they’re hitting retirees the hardest. Scammers are using fake messages and phone calls that look like they’re from the government to trick older adults into giving away personal information or money. Many of these scams involve new tricks, like pretending to offer help with cryptocurrency investments, which can seem confusing or urgent. With the economy being uncertain and people worried about the future of Social Security, scammers are taking advantage of those fears. According to the FBI, losses from scams jumped nearly 50% in just one year, costing Americans nearly $5 billion in 2024 alone. This growing trend puts a serious dent in retirement savings and could affect the financial security of millions.

A growing number of scams in the U.S. are using artificial intelligence to trick people, especially during a time of economic stress and political uncertainty. Criminals are taking advantage of tools like AI-generated voices and deepfake videos to pretend to be trusted figures, such as government agents or family members. These advanced scams are often so convincing that they can slip past normal security checks. Many people have been targeted with fake offers for rebates, tax refunds, or special stimulus payments, often sent through emails or social media. As inflation and interest rates rise, and with elections on the horizon, people are more vulnerable to these tricks—making it easier for scammers to steal billions of dollars.

Cryptocurrency scams are becoming more common as digital money grows in popularity, especially during times of economic uncertainty. AARP recently warned that scammers are taking advantage of people’s interest in fast crypto profits. Using fake investment websites and urgent messages, scammers convince people to send them money or make crypto payments under pressure. These scammers often operate through emails, texts, and social media, making their tricks hard to detect. In 2024, Americans lost over $1.4 billion to these scams, showing just how big the problem has become. Experts are urging people to stay alert and avoid giving money to anyone promising quick and easy returns.

Financial fraud is becoming a bigger problem across the United States, especially as scammers use more advanced tricks to steal money. In 2024, people in Iowa lost $52 million to scams, and experts predict that number could nearly double in 2025. These scams include impersonating trusted people, stealing identities, hacking ATMs, and tricking people through online shopping or credit cards. The Federal Trade Commission warns that many cases aren't even reported, which means the real losses could be much higher—close to $573 million in Iowa alone. Beyond harming individuals, fraud is damaging the economy by shrinking the state’s GDP and costing hundreds of jobs. This trend isn’t just happening in Iowa—it’s part of a growing national issue.

Deepfake scams are becoming a serious problem as people misuse artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake videos, images, and voices that look and sound real. Scammers use these deepfakes to pretend to be trusted figures like police officers, government officials, or even a person’s own family members. Their goal is to make people panic and act quickly—like sending money or giving away personal information. The American Bankers Association Foundation and the FBI recently launched a warning campaign to help people spot these scams. With deepfake technology improving and spreading fast, it's more important than ever to be careful about what you see and hear online.

In 2024, scams have become a major part of bank fraud in the U.S., now making up 27% of reported losses—a big jump from just 12% the year before. Scammers are getting smarter by using personalized tactics based on things like age, income, and how people use the internet or prefer to communicate. These methods, similar to what marketing professionals use, make their scams harder to detect and more likely to succeed. As a result, about 77 million Americans—nearly 1 in 3 adults—have lost money to scams in the past five years, with many losing over $500. The growing complexity of these scams doesn’t just hurt people financially—it also damages trust in online banking and digital communication.