FBI flags 66% increase in US crypto scams: $9.3 billion stolen in 2024

The FBI’s latest IC3 report shows that Americans lost a record $9.3 billion to crypto scams in 2024 — a 66% increase from 2023 — with over 140,000 complaints and seniors the most affected ($2.8 billion). Investment schemes were the biggest drain on money, sextortion racked up the most cases, and global illicit cryptocurrency flows reached $41 billion, despite “Operation Level Up” recovering $285 million. Experts warn that AI-powered fraud networks could make 2025 even bleaker unless regulators and developers out-innovate criminals.