Facebook is the Clear Winner in Reported Losses
By Jarren Ringle
The Federal Trade Commission has released its 2025 reports. One FTC report of particular interest to me relates to scams and social media. Social media refers to a category of websites that includes platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
In many of my Tech Talk classes and articles, I have mentioned the online dangers of oversharing, ignoring privacy settings, and responding to “messages” from strangers. Based on the tables below, it unfortunately looks like many people are finding firsthand the risks associated with social media.
| Year | Reported losses from social media scams |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $261,000,000 |
| 2021 | $789,000,000 |
| 2022 | $1,200,000,000 |
| 2023 | $1, 500,000,000 |
| 2024 | $1,900,000,000 |
| 2025 | $2.1 BILLION |
| Rank | Platform | Reported Losses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1 BILLION | |
| 2 | $436,000,000 | |
| 3 | $339,000,000 | |
| 4 | Telegram | $237,000,000 |
| 5 | TikTok | $191,000,000 |
| 6 | YouTube | $143,000,000 |
| 7 | Google Chat | $136,000,000 |
| 8 | X | $100,000,000 |
| 9 | $90,000,000 |
As you can see, Facebook is the clear winner in reported losses. Almost half of the $2.1 billion lost in 2025 started on Facebook.
What can you do to protect yourself?
First, make sure your privacy and security settings restrict who can see your posts, photos, contacts, etc. Be aware that when apps are updated, they may change your settings. Next, do not overshare. Do not share your family information, where you went to school, what your interests are, where you live, etc. Assuming your “friends” are friends, they already know many of these things about you, and you don’t need to broadcast them to strangers.
Finally, do not interact with strangers. Romance scams seldom start because someone is looking for “romance”. They start when someone responds to a compliment from a stranger or through innocent interactions with someone they don’t know. Beware that interacting with a “friend” whose account has been cloned will also likely open the door to false interactions or scams. My mom always said, “Don’t talk to strangers.” That is especially important when that stranger is hiding behind a keyboard and screen.
So, is social media bad?
No, but the people using it to take advantage of us are bad. We need to be cautious… not trusting. $2,100,000,000 lost from social media scams. And that amount is what was reported. I bet lots of folks didn’t report their losses.
Be careful out there and stay safe.
Jarren Ringle is a member of SourcePoint and a volunteer instructor. SourcePointers come to Jarren for tutelage on their tablets, laptops, and the most popular of all devices – cell phones. He teaches various technology classes throughout the year including one-on-one sessions and group classes. Jarren also volunteers at the Delaware County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. With many years of project management experience in various technology fields, he enjoys helping others with technology.
Technology 1:1 Assistance: Jarren Ringle provides guidance on technology in a 45-minute time slot. Do you have questions regarding a cell phone, PC, laptop or tablet? Share what the device is and what your question is upon registration so that Jarren can be better prepared to help. >> Schedule your 1:1