The FBI says cryptocurrency- and AI-enabled scams are among the most costly categories in its latest IC3 reporting. Investment fraud is the leading driver of losses, with phishing/spoofing and extortion also common complaint types.

In its most recent IC3 reporting, the FBI warned that cryptocurrency- and AI-enabled scams continue to cause major financial harm to Americans. The bureau identified investment fraud as the leading driver of losses, reflecting how scammers package fake opportunities as “investments” rather than upfront theft. The FBI also highlighted other frequent complaint categories, including phishing and spoofing, where victims are tricked into trusting messages or impersonated accounts. Extortion schemes were likewise described as a recurring pattern. The FBI’s update underscores that modern fraud campaigns often blend older tactics—like credential and identity lures—with new technology that increases credibility and speed. It specifically points to the growing role of AI tools in producing convincing scam content and accelerating how quickly scammers scale targeting. Alongside enforcement and reporting, the FBI referenced proactive outreach efforts, including “Operation Level Up,” which is aimed at reducing victimization through public awareness and clearer guidance on spotting scams. Overall, the FBI’s findings emphasize that victims are frequently drawn in through seemingly legitimate communications, then pushed into irreversible payments and account actions.