In today’s interconnected world, the phone is a vital communication tool. However, with its convenience comes the risk of phone scams. Scammers use technology and manipulation to trick people, making awareness crucial.
Phone scams range from robocalls with fake prizes to scammers posing as officials. These scams cause financial losses and emotional distress. By looking at phone scam statistics, we understand the urgency to combat them.
According to Tech Report, an estimated 55% of phone calls now come from scammers. This staggering number shows just how common phone scams are. It’s clear we need to stay vigilant and informed.
VPNRanks predicts that as technology evolves, phone scammers will become even more sophisticated. By 2025, global phone scam incidents may rise to over 1.04 billion, with older adults (65+) expected to be hit the hardest.Â
In this guide, I discuss phone scam statistics, offering the latest data and insights to help you stay safe. By knowing the trends, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Let’s dive in and learn more!
Top Insights from VPNRanks on Phone Scam Statistics
VPNRanks has analyzed past data to uncover critical insights into phone scam trends. These findings highlight the growing sophistication and prevalence of phone scams:
- Phone Scam Incident: In 2025, US incidents are anticipated to soar to 387.20 million, and global incidents may rise to over 1.04 billion.
- Demographic Impact: By 2025, phone scams are expected to hit older adults (65+) the hardest.
- Common Types of Phone Scams: By the end of 2025, the most common types of phone scams could be robocalls and imposter scams.
- Awareness and Reporting: Awareness and reporting of phone scams in 2025 is expected to grow, with the percentage of victims reporting scams to authorities significantly increasing to approximately 161.7%.
Disclaimer: These figures are estimates provided by VPNRanks, based on historical data and current trends analyzed through predictive models. They represent potential future scenarios and should not be considered exact predictions. The actual outcomes may vary depending on various factors, including new interventions and changes in online behavior.
Global Prevalence of Phone Scams: A Comprehensive Overview
Phone scams are a worldwide issue, affecting millions across countries. Scammers adapt their tactics to target victims regardless of location, making this a truly global problem. Understanding the international scope of phone scams is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.
đź“žIn 2025, US phone scam incidents are expected to reach 387.20 million, and global incidents could exceed 1.04 billion, driven by increasingly sophisticated scam tactics and wider digital communication use.
Data Collection
Here are some key statistics on the global prevalence of phone scams from 2019 to 2023:
2019:
- Global Incidence: Many phone scam incidents were reported globally, with a notable rise in vishing (voice phishing) attacks.
- US Impact: Approximately 33% of Americans fell victim to phone scams at least once, and there was a high level of awareness among the 18-22 demographic about vishing attacks.
2020:
- Increase in Losses: Americans lost nearly $20 billion to phone scams, a significant increase from previous years.
- Global Trend: The rise in phone scams was observed globally, with countries like Brazil, Peru, and Ukraine being heavily targeted.
2021:
- Financial Losses: Phone scams cost Americans nearly $30 billion, which was over $10 billion more than in 2020.
- Prevalence: 59.49 million US residents reported losing money to phone scams, marking a 22% increase from 2020.
2022:
- Continued Growth: Phone scams continued to grow, with vishing attacks in the US increasing by 550%.
- Financial Impact: Americans lost around $39.5 billion to phone scams in 2022, compared to $29.8 billion in 2021.
2023:
- Record Losses: Fraud losses, including phone scams, exceeded $10 billion in the US for the first time. Imposter scams were particularly prevalent, causing significant financial damage.
- Global Impact: Similar trends were observed globally, with a consistent rise in phone scam incidents and financial losses.
Resources
VPNRanks Predictions
Using the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) method to analyze past trends and project future outcomes, VPNRanks predicts significant increases in both the financial impact and the number of phone scam incidents:
2024:
- US: Financial losses due to phone scams are expected to reach $97.22 billion, with an estimated 191.79 million incidents reflecting the increasing sophistication and frequency of scam tactics.
- Global: Financial losses are projected to hit $226.90 billion, with approximately 508.91 million incidents, highlighting the widespread and growing impact of phone scams worldwide.
2025:
- US: Phone scam losses are anticipated to soar to $210.02 billion, with incidents potentially reaching 387.20 million, indicating a continuing upward trend in both financial impact and number of victims.
- Global: Financial losses are forecasted to rise to $514.83 billion, with incidents expected to surpass 1.04 billion, underscoring the escalating global threat posed by phone scams.
Justification:
- Historical Trends: Consistent increases in phone scam losses and incidents from 2020 to 2023 support future growth projections using CAGR.
- Advanced Scam Techniques: Scammers use sophisticated technologies, such as caller ID spoofing, voice modulation software, and AI-powered chatbots, making scams harder to detect and leading to higher losses.
- Global Impact: Phone scams are rising worldwide, affecting both developed and developing countries, indicating a broad and growing threat.
Demographic Data on Phone Scam Victims
Phone scams affect individuals across various age groups, income levels, and locations. Certain demographics, such as older adults, are more frequently targeted due to perceived vulnerability. Analyzing this demographic data helps in creating targeted awareness and prevention efforts.
đź“žVPNRanks predicts a startling rise in phone scam victims by 2025, with older adults (65+) expected to be hit the hardest due to their increasing use of digital communication and a lack of familiarity with evolving scam tactics.
Data Collection
Here are the statistics on the demographics of phone scam victims over the years 2019 to 2023:
2019:
- Age Group Impact: The 18-22 age group recorded the highest awareness of vishing attacks, but older adults (65+) were still heavily targeted, particularly with robocalls and tech support scams.
- Gender Distribution: Both men and women were targeted, with a slight tendency for men to fall victim to vishing attacks more frequently.
2020:
- Age Group Impact: Phone scams continued to affect older adults significantly, with a rise in tech support and IRS scams targeting this demographic.
- General Victimization: Approximately 56 million Americans reported falling victim to phone scams, reflecting the broad impact across all age groups.
2021:
- Financial Impact: Americans lost nearly $30 billion to phone scams, a substantial increase from previous years, indicating a growing threat to all demographics.
- Age Group Impact: The impact on older adults remained high, with increased targeting of individuals over 65​.
- Gender Distribution: Men continued to be slightly more susceptible to vishing attacks than women​.
2022:
- General Victimization: 68.4 million Americans lost money to phone scams, a 23% increase from 2021, showing a significant rise in incidents across all age groups​​​​.
- Age Group Impact: Older adults received an average of 50.4 monthly spam calls, highlighting their continued vulnerability​.
- Gender Distribution: Men were more frequently victimized by vishing attacks than women​.
2023:
- Financial Impact: Fraud losses, including phone scams, exceeded $10 billion in the US for the first time, with imposter scams particularly prevalent​.
- Age Group Impact: Older adults remained a primary target, with increasing sophistication in scam tactics affecting all demographics.
- General Victimization: Consistent rise in phone scam incidents globally, affecting both men and women, with men slightly more prone to vishing attacks​.
Resources:
VPNRanks Predictions
2025
- Using the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) method, VPNRanks predicts that older adults (65+) will be the most affected demographic by phone scams by 2025, with their targeted percentage rising to approximately 55.15%.
Justification
- Historical Trends: The percentage of older adults targeted by phone scams has increased annually by 10.77% from 2019 to 2023, indicating a growing focus on this demographic.
- Sophisticated Scams: Advanced scam tactics are more effective against older adults who are less familiar with these methods, leading to higher targeting rates.
- Vulnerability: Older adults have more savings and are more trusting, making them prime targets for scammers.
Common Types of Phone Scams Explained
Phone scams come in many forms, from robocalls and phishing attempts to impersonation and tech support scams. Each type uses different tactics to deceive and exploit victims. Understanding these common scams can help you recognize and avoid them.
đź“žVPNRanks predicts that by the end of 2025, robocalls can cause losses of about $93.43 billion, and imposter scams will result in around $46.50 billion. This rise is due to more automated scam methods and advanced impersonation tactics.
Data Collection
Here are some key statistics on the types of phone scams from 2019 to 2023:
Robocalls:
- 2019-2023: Robocalls remained a significant issue throughout these years. In 2023, losses from fraudulent robocalls were projected to be $53 billion globally, with North America accounting for 50% of these losses. The average victim lost $334 to fraud calls by mid-2023​​.
- 2021: The cost of scam calls in the first half of 2021 was $29.8 billion.
Imposter Scams:
- 2022: Imposter scams resulted in $2.6 billion in reported losses, up from $2.4 billion in 2021. These scams include fraudsters posing as government officials, tech support, or relatives in distress​​.
- 2023: Imposter scams continued to be prevalent, contributing significantly to the $10 billion in fraud losses reported in the US​.
Phishing and Smishing (SMS Phishing):
- 2021-2022: Phishing attacks saw a dramatic rise, with an increase of 118% in 2021 from the previous year. About 76% of these attacks were credential-harvesting, and 11% contained links to malware​​.
- 2022: Spam text statistics rose by 1000%, showing the increasing use of SMS for phishing attacks.
Tech Support Scams:
- 2020-2023: Older adults were frequently targeted by tech support scams, which involved fraudsters pretending to be from well-known tech companies to gain access to victims’ computers and personal information​​.
Investment Scams:
- 2022: Investment scams were the costliest type of phone scam, with reported losses exceeding $3.8 billion. This trend continued in 2023, with losses surpassing $4.6 billion​​.
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VPNRanks Predictions
2024-2025
According to VPNRanks, the predicted most common types of phone scams are:
- Robocalls: Expected loss of approximately $93.43 billion.
- Imposter Scams: Expected loss of approximately $46.50 billion.
Justification
- Historical Trends: Robocalls have consistently shown significant growth in financial losses over the past years, indicating they will continue to be a major issue.
- Increasing Sophistication: Imposter scams have become more sophisticated and prevalent, making them a growing threat.
- Wide Impact: Both robocalls and imposter scams target a broad range of victims and offer high returns for scammers, ensuring their dominance in the future.
Awareness and Reporting of Phone Scams
A significant percentage of people are now aware of phone scams, thanks to increased public awareness campaigns. However, only a fraction of victims report these scams to authorities. Understanding these statistics highlights the need for more effective reporting and prevention efforts.
đź“žVPNRanks predicts that awareness and reporting of phone scams by Americans in 2025 will continue to grow, with approximately 25% aware of phone scams, while reporting rates could rise to 161.7% due to more victims coming forward as scams become more prevalent.
Data Collection
Here are some key statistics on the awareness and reporting of phone scams from 2019 to 2023:
2019:
- Awareness: Approximately 33% of Americans were aware of phone scams and had fallen victim at least once.
- Reporting: Reporting rates were lower, with many victims not reporting due to a lack of awareness or distrust in recovery efforts​​​.
2020:
- Awareness: Awareness increased with more people experiencing phone scams, largely driven by scams exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 56 million Americans reported falling victim to phone scams.
- Reporting: Reporting increased by about 270% compared to the previous year as more victims reported their experiences​​​.
2021:
- Awareness: Continued growth in awareness, with around 59.4 million Americans aware of and reporting losses due to phone scams.
- Reporting: Reporting rates continued to increase, with scam calls resulting in $29.8 billion in reported losses in the first half of the year​​​.
2022:
- Awareness: Significant increase in awareness due to a dramatic rise in vishing attacks (550%) and spam text messages (1000%). Approximately 68.4 million Americans reported losing money to phone scams.
- Reporting: Reporting rates grew significantly, reflecting higher public awareness and willingness to report phone scams to authorities​​​.
2023:
- Awareness: High levels of public awareness persisted, with consistent reports of phone scams contributing to total fraud losses exceeding $10 billion in the US.
- Reporting: Reporting remained high, with numerous reports to the Federal Trade Commission and other agencies indicating continued public vigilance.
Resources:
VPNRanks Predictions
2025
Using the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) method to analyze past trends and project future outcomes, VPNRanks predicts the following for awareness and reporting of phone scams:
- Awareness Percentage: Approximately 82.76 million Americans are expected to be aware of phone scams.
- Reporting Percentage: Around 161.7% of victims will report phone scams to authorities.
Justification:
- Historical Trends: Reporting rates have consistently increased from 2019 to 2023, indicating a growing trend in scam reporting.
- Awareness Campaigns: Ongoing educational efforts by organizations and agencies are encouraging more people to report scams.
- Improved Technology: Easier access to online reporting tools and dedicated hotlines has made it simpler for victims to report scams.
Biggest Phone Scam Case: The IRS Phone Scam Ring
One of the most significant cases involving phone scams is the IRS Phone Scam Ring, which was dismantled in 2016. This scam involved a massive network of call centres based in India that impersonated IRS agents, targeting US residents. The scammers would threaten victims with arrest, deportation, or license revocation if they did not pay bogus tax bills.
Key Details:
- Scale: The operation involved over 700 employees across multiple call centres.
- Impact: Estimated losses exceeded $300 million, with thousands of US residents falling victim to the scam.
- Outcome: Authorities arrested and charged dozens of individuals involved in the scam in the US and India. The case highlighted the international scope and sophistication of phone scams and led to increased awareness and preventive measures against such fraud.
Source: Federal Trade Commission
Redditor Faces Threatening Scam Call: Community Shares Advice and Experiences
The Redditor received a threatening scam call where the scammer claimed they would come to their house and kill them. The Redditor’s phone number and email address were likely obtained from job site submissions.
Despite having all credit reports locked and personal information compromised in past data breaches, the Redditor is considering changing their phone number and seeks advice on further protective measures.
In the comments, Redditors shared similar scam experiences, reassured the low likelihood of physical harm, and advised using call screening, changing contact details, and reporting threats to authorities.
Professional Perspectives on Phone Scam Prevention
Experts emphasize robust security measures and public education to combat phone scams. They recommend advanced technology like AI-driven call screening and continuous awareness campaigns. I have included expert opinions highlighting the crucial collaboration between tech providers, law enforcement, and the public:
1. Thomas R. Alber
Thomas R. Alber emphasizes the critical need for public awareness in identifying modern scams, highlighting the importance of education in preventing victimization. He advocates using technology, like advanced call screening and security tools, to protect against increasingly sophisticated scam tactics.
Alber also stresses the role of collaboration between individuals, businesses, and law enforcement in tackling phone scams effectively. He believes that by staying informed and vigilant, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling prey to these scams.
2. Ross Brouse
Ross Brouse highlights the growing threat of vishing, with Americans facing nearly $30 billion in financial losses in 2021. He advises that if a call seems suspicious, it’s likely not legitimate, and genuine callers will leave a voicemail or text.
Brouse suggests several measures to combat call-based hacks: verify the caller’s identity with specific details, install call-blocking features, update your software, and stay informed about common phone scams. These steps can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phone scams.
3. Greg Collier
Greg Collier warns that phone scams increasingly target the elderly, exploiting their trust and unfamiliarity with modern scam tactics. He emphasizes educating older adults about these scams and encouraging them to verify any unsolicited calls.
Collier also suggests practical measures such as using caller ID, avoiding sharing personal information over the phone and staying updated on common scam techniques. By taking these precautions, elderly individuals can better protect themselves from phone scams.
Understanding VPNRanks’ Prediction Model
VPNRanks employs a robust and systematic approach to predict trends in phone scams. Here are the five key steps involved:
- Historical Data Analysis: Examining past data from 2019 to 2023 to identify trends and patterns in phone scams.
- Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): Using CAGR to calculate growth rates and project future values based on historical data.
- Data Collection: Gathering data from reliable sources such as government reports, industry studies, and user-reported incidents.
- Modeling and Simulation: Applying statistical models and simulations to predict future trends and potential impacts.
- Expert Review: Involving cybersecurity experts to validate predictions and ensure accuracy.
Explore More In-Depth Statistics and Reports by VPNRanks
Conclusion
As we look towards the future, the landscape of phone scams continues to evolve. By 2025, US phone scam incidents are anticipated to soar to 387.20 million, with global incidents rising to over 1.04 billion. This highlights the urgent need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures.
Robocalls and imposter scams are projected to remain the most common types of phone scams by the end of 2025. Robocalls could cause losses of approximately $93.43 billion, while imposter scams may result in losses of around $46.50 billion. The financial impact is staggering and demands attention.
To mitigate these risks, individuals and organizations must adopt proactive strategies. Using call screening services, educating the public on scam tactics, and enhancing reporting mechanisms are crucial steps. VPNRanks’ predictions serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat and the importance of staying informed and prepared.
