A binary code can be seen on the display of a laptop. (Shot with zoom effect). Photo: Silas Stein/dpa (Photo by Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Scammers cashed in last year with the help of artificial intelligence, and a new FBI report offers a hint at the hundreds of millions they have stolen.
Why you should care:
For the first time, the FBI’s Internet Crime Report detailed how much people have lost to AI-related scams. The 2025 report listed 22,364 complaints that cost victims $893 million.
The FBI explained that scammers will use AI to generate fake social profiles, voice clones, and identification documents. Additionally, they can create bogus videos that depict public figures or loved ones to trick their victims.
Big picture view:
Overall, the FBI found victims lost nearly $21 billion to cyber-enabled crime. The highest losses were by those who submitted complaints about cryptocurrency fraud. The FBI tallied 181,565 of those complaints, with the victims saying they lost more than $11 billion.
What they're saying:
The FBI advised people to pause before handing over money or personal information to give themselves a moment to spot any potential red flags. Its "Take a Beat" website breaks down common frauds and scams and offers tips on what to watch out for.
What you can do:
Anyone who falls for a scam or knows someone who did is urged to call their local FBI office or submit a complaint at ic3.gov as soon as they can. When making a complaint, it is best to include the name of the scammer or company, how and when they reached out, how they requested payment, and where the money was sent.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from the FBI. This story was reported from Orlando.