You’re Not Alone: 96% of U.S. Adults Targeted by Scams Every Week

August 24, 2025

In a chilling revelation, 96% of U.S. adults receive at least one scam attempt—via phone, text, or email—each week. That means virtually everyone is on scammers’ radars, including yourself.

CNET's 2025 Scam Survey Results are out

Is everyone getting scammed?

96% of adults targeted weekly via scams.
Specifically, 90% receive scam emails weekly
Many people are bombarded with multiple types of scam outreach every single week.

Types of Scams Flooding Our Devices

Approximately 83% of adults receive scam phone calls weekly.
About 82% see scam text messages each week

Whether through email, text, or phone call, scammers are relentless.

Real Cost — and Even More Danger Ahead

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost a collective $470 million in 2024 due to text-initiated scams alone

Essential Tips to Protect Yourself

When fraudsters are upping their game, you should too:

Don’t respond to unknown calls or messages. If you pick up and don’t recognize the voice or number, just hang up.
Freeze your credit proactively - this helps prevent unauthorized access even if your identity is compromised.
Talk to your loved ones about scams - developing a common understanding with people you trust can help you when you are unsure.

Closing Thought

Scammers aren’t taking breaks—they’re innovating, evolving, and reaching more people than ever. That 96% weekly targeting rate should be a wake-up call for all of us. By exercising caution, staying informed, and leveraging simple protective steps, we can keep our guard up and reduce our vulnerability to these ever-present threats.