Texas Among Top States for Cyber Scam Victims, FBI Report Finds

Cryptocurrency and AI-related fraud drive record $21 billion in losses nationwide

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:42am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a cracked and damaged computer circuit board, conceptually representing the devastating impact of cyber fraud and scams.A stark visual metaphor for the growing threat of cyber-enabled fraud, which cost Americans billions in 2025 according to the latest FBI report.Houston Today

A new FBI report reveals that Americans lost nearly $21 billion to cyber-enabled crimes in 2025, with Texas ranking among the states with the highest number of victims and financial losses. Cryptocurrency scams and AI-powered fraud were two of the costliest categories, impacting older Americans the most.

Why it matters

Cyber-enabled fraud remains a major threat, with scammers increasingly exploiting new technologies like cryptocurrency and AI to manipulate victims. This report highlights the need for stronger consumer education and cybersecurity measures to combat the rising tide of online fraud targeting individuals and businesses.

The details

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 1 million complaints in 2025, a significant increase from the prior year. California reported the highest losses at $3.6 billion, while individuals over 60 accounted for $7.7 billion in losses, a 37% jump. Cryptocurrency fraud was the single largest category, with 181,565 complaints and over $11 billion in losses. Scammers are also increasingly using AI-generated tools like fake social media profiles, voice clones, and forged videos to deceive victims.

  • The FBI received 1,008,597 cyber crime complaints in 2025, up from 859,532 in 2024.
  • Cryptocurrency fraud accounted for 181,565 complaints and more than $11 billion in losses in 2025.
  • In 2024, the FBI launched Operation Level Up to combat cryptocurrency scams, alerting over 8,000 potential victims and reducing losses by $500 million.
  • In 2026, the FBI introduced Operation Winter SHIELD to help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.

The players

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The primary federal law enforcement agency in the United States, responsible for investigating a wide range of crimes including cyber-enabled fraud.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

A partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center that serves as the central hub for reporting and tracking cyber crimes in the U.S.

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What’s next

The FBI warns Americans to remain vigilant, carefully vet investment opportunities, and implement strong digital security practices to protect personal information. The agency will continue to monitor emerging cyber threats and work with partners to disrupt criminal networks.

The takeaway

This report underscores the growing sophistication of cyber criminals and the need for robust consumer education, cybersecurity measures, and law enforcement collaboration to combat the rising tide of online fraud. As new technologies like cryptocurrency and AI are increasingly exploited by scammers, individuals and businesses must stay informed and proactive to protect themselves.