Americans lost $21 billion to online scams last year, FBI says — and the latest ‘e-vite’ trap is arriving from people you actually know

Eric EspositoThu, April 16, 2026 at 10:30 PM UTC

0

Americans lost $21 billion to online scams in 2025, FBI says, with the rising trend being ‘e-vite’ phishing attacks.

Online scams are becoming more common, more convincing and more costly.

According to data from the FBI’s “2025 Internet Crime Report,” (1) online cybercrimes drained about $21 billion from Americans. Adults over 60 were hit especially hard, losing $7.7 billion.

Must Read -

Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP

Robert Kiyosaki issues grim warning for baby boomers. Many could be ‘wiped out’ and homeless ‘all over’ the country. How to protect yourself now

Taxes are going to change for retirees under Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ — here are 4 reasons you can’t afford to waste time

Total complaints to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, or IC3, are also rising. Reports ticked up from 859,532 in 2024 to 1,008,597 in 2025. For the first time, the FBI had to separate all AI-related scams from regular ones, which amounted to 22,364 complaints and cost $893 million.

These findings align with survey data from McAfee’s “2026 State of the Scamiverse,” (2) which offers more details on the spike in online scams.

Despite 82% of respondents saying they’re extra cautious with suspicious messages, 33% admit that they’re having more trouble spotting scams. About one-third also said they could not tell a deepfake from a legitimate video.

As scammers adopt the latest AI Tools, they are accelerating both the frequency and sophistication of online fraud. McAfee estimates the average American receives 14 scam messages a day, plus three deepfakes. Researchers say sorting through the constant stream of spam takes about three workweeks each year.

Even cautious users are getting caught. About 76% of respondents said they have personally encountered an online scam. More than half of the 7,500 people surveyed said they had a social media account compromised in the past year.

Phishing gets personal with e-vite scams

Among the many tactics scammers use, the FBI (1) says classic phishing attacks remain the most common. In these schemes, criminals pose as trusted sources to trick people into sharing sensitive information.

But McAfee says old warning signs like typos or odd formatting are no longer enough. To make phishing more convincing, scammers are making messages feel personal. One emerging tactic is the “e-vite scam”.

Read More: Almost 50 with no retirement savings? Here’s why you shouldn’t panic

According to McAfee (3), these scams mimic legitimate invitations from platforms such as Paperless Post, often using an email address that appears to belong to someone you know.

Advertisement

These scams work because they exploit trust. The message may look like it is from a friend, colleague or family member inviting you to an event. In reality, scammers are using stolen credentials to lure you into clicking a malicious link and entering your personal information.

Once you do, they can take over your email account and access sensitive information for identity theft. They may also use your contact list to spread the scam further.

Sharpen your skepticism

As the line between real and fake continues to blur, avoiding scams can feel overwhelming.

Security software can help, but experts say a healthy level of skepticism is just as important.

Groups such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (4) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) (5) warn that scammers often create a sense of urgency to override rational thinking. Whether they promise rewards or threaten consequences, anything that pressures you to act quickly should raise suspicion.

E-vite scams are especially tricky because they feel personal. Even if an invitation appears to come from someone you know, it is best to confirm with them directly before clicking anything.

McAfee (3) says red flags include being asked to log in just to view the invitation or a mismatch between the sender’s email address and the official domain.

Keep in mind that popular online invitation platforms like Paperless Post (6) and Punchbowl (7) are aware of the issue. If you receive an e-vite, check the company’s official FAQ pages and guidance on spotting suspicious links.

What To Read Next -

Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how

Robert Kiyosaki says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year and begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’

Vanguard reveals what could be coming for U.S. stocks, and it’s raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself

Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article Sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

FBI (1); McAfee (2); McAfee (3); Federal Trade Commission (4); National Council on Aging (5); Paperless Post (6); Punchbowl (7)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Money”