Survey: 35% of Americans Hit by Financial Scams in 2024, New Study Shows

Survey: 35% of Americans Hit by Financial Scams in 2024, New Study Shows

By Michael Thornton

March 3, 2025 at 07:10 AM

Financial fraud has become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with 34 percent of U.S. adults experiencing some form of financial scam in the past 12 months. Among these victims, 37 percent suffered financial losses.

Key Findings:

  • 68% of Americans have experienced financial fraud in their lifetime
  • 90% of recent victims faced attempts to access their personal financial information
  • 37% of fraud victims in the past year lost money

Woman looking stressed about financial fraud

Woman looking stressed about financial fraud

Generational Impact:

  • Baby boomers (73%) and Gen X (71%) are most likely to experience fraud
  • Gen Z victims (53%) are most likely to lose money to scams
  • Lower-income Americans (<$50,000/year) are most vulnerable

Woman frustrated by financial fraud screen

Woman frustrated by financial fraud screen

Protective Measures Taken by Americans:

  • 69% avoid suspicious links/emails
  • 53% monitor financial accounts regularly
  • 49% use two-factor authentication
  • 46% maintain strong, unique passwords
  • 41% check credit reports
  • 39% shred sensitive documents

If You're a Victim of Fraud:

  1. Contact your bank immediately
  2. Change all financial account passwords
  3. Freeze your credit reports
  4. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Prevention Statistics:

  • 89% of Americans have taken protective measures
  • 77% implement multiple security steps
  • Higher earners ($100,000+) are most likely to take preventive action (94%)
  • Even protected individuals can fall victim to fraud

Tips for Ongoing Protection:

  • Monitor accounts regularly
  • Enable two-factor authentication
  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Check credit reports periodically
  • Stay informed about common scams
  • Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true

Future Outlook:

  • 61% of recent victims expect another attempt within 12 months
  • Older generations are more pessimistic about future scams
  • Continuing vigilance and adaptation of security measures is essential

Father checks phone while holding child

Father checks phone while holding child

Woman using credit card at checkout

Woman using credit card at checkout

Man doing finances at desk

Man doing finances at desk

Woman photographing business credit cards

Woman photographing business credit cards

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