Investment scams are surging—and the data doesn’t lie. Using data collected from December 2023 through today, the chart below reveals a concerning trend: investment scams have grown more than any other scam type across the United States.
While fraudsters continue to use familiar tactics like malware, credit card fraud, phishing, and tech support scams, the spike in investment-related schemes is alarming. From the end of 2024 onward, these scams have dominated the landscape, especially in the second quarter of 2025, when the financial impact hit unprecedented levels.
A Closer Look at the Data
From December 2023 through early 2025, the chart shows steady levels of various scam types. Malware and credit card fraud remained relatively consistent, causing millions in potential losses—but these were manageable compared to what came next. Starting in January 2025, investment scams began to climb sharply. By April through June 2025, they exploded, overtaking every other scam category combined.
In June 2025 alone, investment scams accounted for the bulk of the total monetary losses prevented—nearly tripling the combined impact of phishing, tech support, and credit card fraud.
Why the Surge in Investment Scams?
Several factors are driving this rise:
- Economic Uncertainty: Scammers exploit fear and volatility in the economy by promising “safe” or “guaranteed” returns.
- Social Media & Messaging Apps: Fraudsters leverage platforms to appear credible, often posing as financial experts or using fake endorsements.
- Crypto & Alternative Assets: With growing interest in digital assets, scammers lure victims with promises of quick, outsized gains.
These schemes prey on trust and the human desire for financial security. Unfortunately, they’re also some of the hardest scams to detect because they often mimic legitimate financial opportunities.
What This Means for You
The chart tells a story: the financial stakes are higher than ever. Consumers across the U.S. are being targeted with sophisticated investment fraud tactics, and millions of dollars are at risk each month.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify Before You Invest: Always research the company or individual offering the investment. Use FINRA’s BrokerCheck or the SEC’s Investment Adviser database.
- Be Wary of Unrealistic Promises: High returns with “no risk” is a major red flag.
- Avoid Urgency Traps: Scammers pressure you to act fast—take your time and consult a financial professional.
Proxyware’s Role in the Fight
Proxyware is committed to protecting people, not machines by eliminating threats at the source. Our proactive monitoring and threat intelligence tools are designed to detect fraudulent investment sites before they reach you, reducing the risk of catastrophic losses.
Investment scams aren’t just trending—they’re exploding. As financial criminals grow bolder and more sophisticated, education and advanced protection are essential. Stay vigilant, share this information with your network, and rely on trusted resources to verify opportunities before parting with your money.
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