Global Cybercrime Losses Hit $20.9 Billion in 2025, FBI Reports

April 18, 2026: Global financial losses from cybercrime reached $20.877 billion in 2025, marking the highest level on record, according to data released by the FBI. The surge underscores the growing scale of digital fraud as online financial systems expand worldwide.

The findings, published in the FBI’s Internet Crime Report by its Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), highlight a sharp rise in both the volume and sophistication of cyber-enabled crimes. The report shows that more than 200 countries filed complaints, reflecting the increasingly globalised nature of digital fraud networks.

Cybercrime Losses Cross $20 Billion Mark

Total reported losses climbed to $20.877 billion in 2025, compared to significantly lower levels in previous years, representing a continuation of a long-term upward trend. Financial damage has escalated dramatically over the past two decades, rising from just $17.8 million in 2001 to current levels.

Investment scams emerged as the most costly category, accounting for the largest share of losses. Other major contributors were business email compromise and tech support fraud, which shows that cybercriminals continue to exploit trust-based digital interactions as a primary vulnerability.

The IC3 platform recorded nearly 3,000 complaints per day in 2025, demonstrating both a rise in criminal activity and improved reporting by victims.

International cybercrime cases contributed approximately $1.6 billion in losses, highlighting the complexity of cross-border enforcement. The report noted that fraud schemes increasingly span multiple jurisdictions, making detection and prosecution more challenging.

Authorities emphasised that cybercrime networks are leveraging global connectivity to scale operations, often exploiting regulatory gaps and differences in enforcement capabilities between countries.

The expansion of digital financial services and online commerce has further increased exposure to these risks, particularly in rapidly digitising economies.

Nigeria Among Top Countries by Complaint Volume

In its country-level analysis, the report ranked Nigeria 14th globally in terms of complaint volume, with 1,219 reported cases. South Africa also featured prominently, with 1,532 complaints.

The FBI clarified that these figures do not necessarily indicate the origin of cybercrime but reflect cases linked to individuals or entities connected to those countries. The data nevertheless points to rising exposure to cyber risks in regions experiencing rapid digital growth.

Other countries listed among the top sources of complaints included Canada, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany, underscoring the widespread geographic distribution of cybercrime activity.

The report revealed that older individuals face disproportionately higher financial losses despite filing fewer complaints. Victims aged 60 and above accounted for $7.7 billion in losses, the highest among all age groups.

Those aged 50 to 59 reported $3.67 billion in losses, followed by $2.95 billion among individuals aged 40 to 49. Younger age groups recorded lower financial losses, with individuals aged 20 to 29 reporting $563 million and those under 20 accounting for $67 million.

The data suggests that while younger users are more active online, older individuals are more vulnerable to high-value scams, particularly investment and impersonation fraud schemes.

Enforcement Efforts and Preventive Measures

The FBI highlighted the role of data-driven enforcement in combating cybercrime, noting that transactional information submitted through IC3 complaints has been instrumental in tracking illicit financial flows. This has enabled authorities to identify patterns, support investigations, and strengthen international cooperation.

Initiatives such as Operation Level Up have shown measurable results, preventing more than $500 million in potential losses related to cryptocurrency scams since 2024. These efforts emphasise the necessity of proactive intervention in mitigating financial damage.

Law enforcement agencies continue to rely on global partnerships to address cybercrime, given its cross-border nature and reliance on digital infrastructure.

The report carries significant implications for countries undergoing rapid digital transformation, including Nigeria. The expansion of fintech, e-commerce, and mobile connectivity is driving economic growth but also increasing vulnerability to cyber threats.

Analysts note that the rise in cybercrime reflects a broader challenge for emerging markets, where digital adoption is outpacing the development of robust cybersecurity frameworks. As financial systems become more interconnected, the need for stronger regulatory oversight and risk management has become increasingly critical.

The FBI warned that evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence, are likely to further complicate the threat landscape, making cybersecurity vigilance essential for individuals, businesses, and governments alike.