The crypto industry has entered a new phase in 2025, with stronger regulations, improved blockchain forensics, and rapid advancements in AI security tools. But a big question still remains: Have crypto scams actually decreased in 2025 compared to previous years?

Based on the latest research from TRM Labs, Chainalysis, CertiK, security firms, and global law-enforcement reports, the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. Some types of scams are declining, but many others — especially AI-powered scams — are rising at alarming rates.

Below is a full breakdown backed by 2024–2025 industry reports and insights.

1. Overview: Are Crypto Scams Declining in 2025?

Crypto scams have not clearly decreased overall in 2025.
Here’s why:

• ✔ Some scam categories fell in 2024 (leading into 2025)
• ✔ But high-value scams like pig-butchering and AI deepfake fraud increased sharply
• ✔ Total global losses remain extremely high
• ✔ Early 2025 data shows losses continuing at a dangerous pace

So while the industry is improving in detection and enforcement, scammers are evolving just as fast.

2. TRM Labs: Scam Volume Dropped in 2024 — But Risks Remain High

According to TRM Labs’ 2025 Crypto Crime Report:

• $10.7 billion was sent to crypto fraud in 2024
• This is a 40% decline from 2023
• Illicit volume dropped from 0.9% to 0.4% of all crypto activity — a 51% improvement
• Some fraud types, including online romance-investment scams, showed partial decline due to global enforcement crackdowns

This indicates progress — but only for specific scam types.

Related: Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes for New Crypto Investors

3. Chainalysis: Scam Revenues Remain Extremely High

Chainalysis paints a different picture:

• Scam wallets received $9.9 billion in 2024
• This could be revised to $12.4 billion, depending on wallet identification
• Pig-butchering scams grew ~40% year-over-year
• AI-driven scams increased in scale, speed, and sophistication

This highlights that scammers are simply shifting methods, not disappearing.

4. New Threat: AI Deepfake & Voice Clone Crypto Scams Surged

A 2025 report from Bitget and other cybersecurity groups revealed:

• Over $4.6 billion was lost in 2024 due to deepfake-enabled crypto scams
• Scammers used AI tools to impersonate:
  • founders
  • exchange support agents
  • investment advisors
  • celebrities
• Victims were tricked using fake livestreams, AI-cloned voices, and realistic identity fraud

Note: AI technology has enabled more efficient, large-scale crypto fraud.

5. FBI & Global Law Enforcement: Losses Increased, Not Decreased

According to a U.S. FBI report referenced in early 2025:

• Crypto-related losses in 2024 reached $9.3 billion
• That represents a 66% increase from 2023

While enforcement improved, scam volume and the total value stolen increased.

6. CertiK & Security Firms: 2025 Started With Heavy Losses

CertiK’s H1-2025 analysis shows:

• $2.47 billion lost to hacks and scams in just the first half of 2025
• If the trend continues, 2025 may close above $4.3 billion in losses

Some scam categories (like protocol exploits) show minor declines, but social-engineering scams are rising faster.

7. Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks Spiked Sharply

Kaspersky recorded:

• An 83% increase in crypto-focused phishing attacks in 2024
• Major rise in mobile malware related to wallet theft
• Growth in fake exchange websites and support impersonation

User-focused attacks remain the industry’s biggest weak point.

8. What the Data Tells Us: A Mixed Trend

Scams That Declined

• Traditional Ponzi-style schemes
• Some romance-investment scams (depending on region)
• Basic phishing attacks (where better wallet security helped)

Scams That Increased

• Pig-butchering (up 40%)
• AI/deepfake fraud
• Social-engineering via fake advisors
• Fake crypto exchanges and “support chat” scams
• High-value investment fraud targeting professionals

The trend is not a clean decline — it is a shift in scam type and sophistication.

9. So, Did Crypto Scams Decrease in 2025? Final Verdict

❌ No, crypto scams have not decreased overall.

Even though:

• certain scam categories declined,
• illicit transaction proportion dropped, and
• law enforcement improved,

…the total money stolen remains extremely high, and many modern scam types are rising dramatically.

✔ The real trend:

Crypto scams are evolving, not disappearing.

Attackers are using AI, automation, and global networks to increase efficiency, even as classic scams decline.

10. How Exchanges, Users, and Platforms Can Stay Safe in 2025

For Crypto Traders

• Never trust investment offers from unknown people
• Verify domain names and exchange URLs
• Avoid unsolicited Telegram/WhatsApp messages
• Treat AI voice calls and video calls with suspicion

For Crypto Businesses & Brokers

• Implement real-time fraud monitoring
• Educate users about new scam methods
• Deploy AI-based identity verification tools
• Add live support verification badges

For Web3 Projects

• Maintain transparent communication
• Use proof-of-reserve and audits
• Monitor community channels for impersonators

Conclusion

Crypto scams in 2025 haven’t disappeared — they’re transforming.
While some traditional fraud methods are declining, AI-powered attacks, pig-butchering scams, and phishing campaigns are growing even faster.

Understanding these trends is essential for crypto traders, brokers, exchanges, and Web3 startups working to build safer digital ecosystems.