Americans Lost Nearly $18 Billion Last Year to Cyberscams. Is Washington Doing Enough to Help Them Get It Back?

The United States government's response to the surge in cyber scams is disjointed, leaving victims with few avenues to recover stolen funds, according to a recent congressional investigation. Led by Senator Maggie Hassan and Representative Don Beyer, the report found that federal agencies lack a unified record of scam losses, seized assets, and funds returned to victims.

The study also concluded that the government does not encourage private companies such as financial institutions and social media platforms to prevent abuse of their services while safeguarding user privacy.

Cybercrime has been a persistent issue, and its severity is growing. The FBI reported that Americans lost nearly $18 billion in 2025, with an average loss of over $2 million per hour. The broader category of internet crime saw losses totaling $20.9 billion in 2025, a 26% increase from 2024 and triple the 2021 total. Despite the escalating problem, the government's response has not kept pace.

The investigation revealed that only a small fraction of scam losses are recovered, and the government's reporting on repatriation measures is inadequate. The FBI reported $336 million returned to victims in 2025, while the Secret Service recovered over $770 million in seized assets from 2024 and 2025, though these funds came from various fraud schemes.

Suzanne Sando, a fraud analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research, highlights the lack of a cohesive reporting system, which hinders the government's ability to grasp the full scope of the problem. "Fragmentation" in reporting systems, with varying time periods and fraud categories, complicates the assessment of scam losses. The Congressional report urges the government to pass new legislation, such as the ReportScams.Gov Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Hassan and Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott.

This bill aims to establish a unified federal strategy to combat scams and create a central location for Americans to access information and assistance regarding scams. A more coordinated reporting system could enhance research, advocacy, and preventive strategies for at-risk populations, including seniors and minors. Despite awareness efforts, cyber scams remain underreported due to victims' embarrassment, fear of judgment, and perceived impossibility of recovery.

The report calls for legislation to hold countries enabling or permitting scam operations accountable and to foster federal cooperation with private sector entities. Experts emphasize that a strategic, coordinated, and well-resourced response is crucial to better protect Americans and assist them in recovering funds lost to scams.