US FTC: Consumers lost $15.9bn to fraud in 2025

US FTC: Consumers lost $15.9bn to fraud in 2025

US FTC: Consumers lost $15.9bn to fraud in 2025

Section 1 – What happened?

A recent hearing before the US Congress Joint Economic Committee has shed light on the alarming extent of consumer fraud in the United States. According to the data presented, consumers submitted a staggering three million fraud reports to the Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN), a secure online database made available by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to international, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. The reports revealed a staggering loss of $15.9 billion to fraud in 2025, highlighting the growing concern of consumer protection in the US.

Section 2 – Background & Context

The FTC has been working tirelessly to combat consumer fraud, providing critical support to law enforcement agencies across the country. The CSN has been a vital tool in this effort, allowing agencies to share information and coordinate efforts to prevent and investigate fraud. The sheer volume of reports submitted to the CSN underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, as well as education and awareness efforts to protect consumers from falling victim to scams.

Section 3 – Impact on Swiss SMEs & Finance

While the data presented is specific to the US, the global nature of consumer fraud means that Swiss businesses and consumers are not immune to the risks. As a major financial hub, Switzerland is vulnerable to cross-border scams and phishing attacks. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland may be particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks, given their limited resources and expertise in cybersecurity. Swiss financial institutions and regulators will need to remain vigilant and work closely with international partners to prevent and respond to these threats.

Section 4 – What to Watch

As the FTC continues to work to combat consumer fraud, it will be essential to monitor the effectiveness of its efforts and the impact on consumer protection. Swiss businesses and consumers should also remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from scams, including staying informed about the latest threats and best practices for cybersecurity. Additionally, the Swiss government and financial regulators will need to assess the risks and implications of consumer fraud for the Swiss financial sector and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

Source

Original Article: US FTC: Consumers lost $15.9bn to fraud in 2025

Published: March 26, 2026

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.