New York Warns of Fake Crypto and AI as Scam Losses Hit $8 Billion

Investment Scam Losses Rise 38%

Investment scams became the costliest fraud category tracked by the Federal Trade Commission in 2025, according to New York officials. The state’s Division of Consumer Protection issued an AI investment scam warning on Aug. 26 after 144,041 consumers reported losing more than $8 billion, a 38% increase from 2024. The median reported loss reached $10,560.

The schemes can begin through social media, dating apps, text messages, emails, online advertisements, or apparently friendly conversations. The FTC’s own April consumer alert put the same 2025 total at more than $7.9 billion, with a median individual loss above $10,000. That agency listed cryptocurrency alongside stocks and forex among the investments scammers pitch through fake coaching offers.

Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley cautioned:

“New Yorkers need to be vigilant against scammers, who may be able to create increasingly sophisticated and realistic messaging using AI technology or other means to steal your hard-earned money. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

AI Deepfakes Promote Fake Crypto Investments

Artificial intelligence allows fraudsters to clone voices, fabricate videos, impersonate financial figures, and produce polished social media advertisements. An April warning from New York Attorney General Letitia James described schemes involving deepfake celebrity endorsements, fraudulent cryptocurrencies, pump-and-dump operations, and fake trading platforms promoted across Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp.