Who is the biggest scammer in the world?

There is no single “biggest” scammer. According to law-enforcement data, most large-scale scams are carried out by organized criminal networks, not individuals. These networks often operate across multiple countries and use shared infrastructure, payment channels, and impersonation tactics, making it difficult to attribute activity to one person or location.

How much money is lost to scams each year?

In the U.S. alone, reported fraud losses exceeded $12.5 billion in 2024 according to the FTC, with FBI data placing total internet crime losses even higher, at over $21 billion in 2025.2, 9 Because both figures rely on voluntary reporting, actual losses are likely higher. For a fuller breakdown, see the What scams cost victims section above.

What are the most scammed states in America?

According to FBI IC3 data, states that consistently report the highest number of scam complaints and total losses include California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.8, 9 However, these rankings largely reflect population size rather than unique vulnerability.

31 mind-blowing stats and facts about online scams for 2026

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