FBI and US Banks Freeze $679 Million in Scam Transfers in 2025 After Rapid Victim Alerts
The FBI reported that it prevented more than half a billion dollars from reaching fraudsters in 2025 by acting swiftly on reports from scam victims. According to the agency, victims reported approximately $1.2 billion in qualifying cases last year, and agents successfully froze $679 million, resulting in a 58% success rate.
The bureau’s recovery team works closely with banks to block fraudulent wire transfers before scammers can access the funds. The process is most effective when victims notify their bank immediately and file a complaint at IC3.gov within 48 hours.
Overall, cybercrime complaints exceeded 1 million in 2025, with total losses nearing $21 billion, as per the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report. Cryptocurrency schemes accounted for the highest individual losses, at over $11 billion, while investment fraud represented nearly half of all scam-related damages.
The agency advises victims to contact their bank first, then local FBI offices, and to avoid delays caused by embarrassment that could allow funds to cross borders or move through multiple accounts.