As financial fraudsters become more sophisticated, 2025 is already shaping up to be a challenging year for consumers trying to protect their money. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a number expected to rise in 2025. From AI-generated phishing scams to fake investment schemes, staying informed is your best defense. In this guide, we’ll break down the top financial scams to watch for in 2025 and how to avoid falling victim.
1. AI-Powered Phishing & Deepfake Scams
One of the fastest-growing threats in financial scams in 2025 is the use of artificial intelligence to create convincing phishing emails, fake phone calls, and even video deepfakes.
Scammers can now replicate voices and faces to impersonate loved ones and even authority figures.
Red flags:
- Urgent messages from a family member or boss requesting money
- Poor grammar in emails that otherwise look legitimate
- Requests to click on links or download attachments
How to protect yourself:
- Verify any urgent request through a secondary channel (e.g., call or text the person directly)
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Keep your antivirus and device software up to date
- Establish a verbal password for use amongst family or friends
2. Romance Scams
These long-con scams often begin on dating apps or social platforms, where fraudsters build trust over weeks or even months. Eventually, they introduce fake investment opportunities, often in cryptocurrency, and drain the victims’ savings.
Some common examples of the personas that a scammer might take on are:
- Deployed Soldier or Military Officer
- Doctor or Aid Worker in a Foreign Country
- Wealthy Businessperson Traveling Abroad
- Widowed or Divorced Parent
- "Too Good to Be True" Online Match
- “Helper” or “Third Party”
Warning signs:
- Someone you’ve never met in person pushing you to invest
- Too-good-to-be-true investment returns
- Emotional manipulation or urgency
Prevention tips:
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in real life
- Consult with a financial advisor before investing
- Be cautious of anyone who avoids video calls or in-person meetings
3. Crypto and DeFi Investment Scams
With the continued growth of digital currencies and decentralized finance (DeFi), scammers are exploiting confusion around these technologies. Deepfake influencers and fake investment platforms are common tools used to steal money.
Watch out for:
- Promises of guaranteed returns
- Fake testimonials or celebrity endorsements
- High-pressure tactics to invest quickly
Protect yourself by:
- Doing thorough research on platforms before investing
- Checking if the exchange is regulated
- Using secure wallets and enabling security settings
4. Tech Support & QR Code Scams
Scammers are increasingly impersonating tech support agents from well-known companies, convincing users to give remote access or download malware. Others are placing malicious QR codes in public spaces or emails that redirect to phishing sites.
Signs of a scam:
- Unsolicited calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your bank or credit union
- Pop-up warnings saying your device is infected
- QR codes that come from unknown sources
How to stay safe:
- Never give control of your device to someone who calls you unexpectedly
- Verify support contact info through the company’s official website
- Don’t scan QR codes from flyers or random emails
5. IRS, Grant, and Marketplace Scams
Impersonation scams remain prevalent in 2025, particularly around tax season and during times of economic relief. Fraudsters may claim you owe back taxes or have won a government grant.
Common tactics include:
- Fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment
- Emails about free government grants requiring upfront fees
- Overpayment scams on online marketplaces
Defensive actions:
- Know that the IRS will never call to demand immediate payment
- Never pay a fee to receive a “free” grant
- Only use secure, reputable platforms for buying or selling goods
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a financial scam, act quickly:
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Contact your bank or credit union to freeze affected accounts
- Change passwords and enable Multi-Factor Authentication on all critical accounts
- File a report with local law enforcement if necessary
How to Stay Vigilant in 2025
The best protection against financial scams in 2025 is knowledge and vigilance. Scammers are constantly evolving, but so are the tools and resources available to protect yourself. Share this post with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable, and help build a safer financial future for all.
Need Help?
At Connect Credit Union, we’re committed to helping our members stay safe and informed. If you’re concerned about identity theft or want to learn how to protect your personal information, visit our Identity Theft Protection Resources for prevention tips and recovery steps. And if you ever suspect suspicious activity, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help.