As scammers increasingly rely on pressure tactics and artificial intelligence to steal money and personal information, the FBI is urging Americans to slow down, verify claims and talk with family members about fraud risks during the holiday season.
“If you feel pressured to act fast, pay money, or turn over personal information—take a beat,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. “Stop and assess if what you’re being told is real. Talk to your families. Protect each other from scams. Scammers are banking on the fact that you’ll feel too embarrassed to come forward and report the crime to the FBI. Don’t let them win.”
The agency is specifically encouraging people to warn loved ones—especially older relatives—not to share sensitive information with strangers online or over the phone, and not to send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or other valuables to anyone they cannot verify.
Artificial intelligence has rapidly transformed the scam landscape, according to the FBI. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, more than 9,000 AI-related complaints were submitted to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), spanning nearly every category of fraud. Criminals now use AI tools to create convincing fake social media profiles, voice clones, forged identification documents and manipulated videos featuring realistic images of public figures or even family members.
Fraudulent or suspicious activity can be reported directly to the FBI at ic3.gov. Tipsters are encouraged to include as much detail as possible, including:
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Names or identifying details about the person or company that contacted them
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Methods of communication such as websites, emails and phone numbers
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Financial transaction details including payment type, date, amount, account numbers, receiving bank information or cryptocurrency addresses
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A written description of their interaction with the suspected scammer
The IC3 received 535,314 complaints in 2024, representing $13.7 billion in losses—an average of $25,700 per victim. Between 2020 and 2024, victims reported a combined $50.5 billion in losses.
Americans over 60 continue to suffer the greatest financial harm and report the largest number of complaints, the FBI said. Older victims who need help filing an IC3 report can contact the Department of Justice Elder Justice Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
Tips and resources for avoiding scams can be found at fbi.gov/takeabeat.
