Scams in the U.S. have surged to a record high, and most people have been targeted. Americans reported a record $15.9 billion in losses last year to the Federal Trade Commission — a 25% increase from 2024, and likely a huge undercount. The FTC estimates that real losses in 2024 were close to $200 billion, or about $550 million every day.
An investigation by The Associated Press and FRONTLINE found that despite attempts by both the Trump administration and Congress to fight scams, victims still have little recourse. The investigation included interviews with 58 victims.
