Scams in 2025: A Year of Artificial Intelligence and Social Engineering
A phone call that sounds like a family member in trouble. A text claiming unpaid tolls. A job offer that appears legitimate but asks for an upfront fee. Federal investigators say these scenarios fueled some of the most reported scams of 2025, and many are expected to grow more common in the year ahead.
Scammers in 2025 increasingly relied on artificial intelligence, social engineering and impersonation to reach victims, according to the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission and industry researchers.
Authorities say the same techniques are expected to expand in 2026, often becoming harder to detect.
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AI-driven Scams Rise in 2025
The FBI said criminals in 2025 used artificial intelligence to generate realistic voices, emails and messages to impersonate relatives, banks and government agencies.
Crime in The News
In some cases, scammers staged what the FBI calls “virtual kidnapping” schemes, using AI-generated audio or images to demand money.
Cryptocurrency-related scams continued to rank among the highest loss categories, often promoted through social media and messaging apps, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
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The FTC said scammers frequently posed as bank representatives or government officials to pressure victims into transferring money or sharing account credentials.
Text message scams, known as “smishing,” also increased, often warning of delivery problems, unpaid fees or account suspensions.
The FBI said criminals advertised remote jobs, then requested fees, personal information or financial access during the onboarding process.
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What Experts Say to Watch in 2026
Looking ahead, the FBI has warned that AI-enabled scams are likely to become more convincing in 2026.
Improvements in voice and video generation may further complicate efforts to verify emergencies or urgent requests, according to the bureau.
Google said scammers are increasingly impersonating well-known technology products and services, including artificial intelligence tools, to distribute malware or steal login information.
The company said fake browser extensions and VPN apps have been used to gain access to personal data.
Financial institutions have also warned about continued growth in business emails being compromised and bank impersonation scams, particularly targeting payroll and vendor payment systems.
Researchers have identified an increase in toll payment and telecommunications scams, in which fake websites and text messages direct users to submit payment information, according to academic and industry reports cited by federal agencies.
Reporting Scams
The FTC advises consumers to report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, while the FBI encourages reporting through its Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Federal officials recommend verifying urgent requests independently, avoiding links in unexpected messages and using multifactor authentication for financial and personal accounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of AI-driven scams in 2025 has led to an increase in sophisticated and convincing scams. As we move into 2026, it is essential to be aware of these scams and take steps to protect ourselves. By being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, we can help prevent these scams and keep our personal and financial information safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some common types of scams that I should be aware of?
A: Some common types of scams include AI-driven scams, social engineering scams, and impersonation scams. These scams can take many forms, including phone calls, emails, and text messages.
Q: How can I protect myself from scams?
A: To protect yourself from scams, it is essential to be vigilant and cautious when receiving unexpected messages or requests. Verify urgent requests independently, avoid links in unexpected messages, and use multifactor authentication for financial and personal accounts.
Q: Where can I report scams?
A: You can report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to the FBI through its Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Q: What are some red flags that may indicate a scam?
A: Some red flags that may indicate a scam include unexpected messages or requests, requests for personal or financial information, and pressure to act quickly. If you are unsure whether a message or request is legitimate, it is always best to err on the side of caution and verify the information independently.
