Pennsylvanians Lose $2.9B Annually to Online Scams

Article Summary –

Pennsylvania experiences significant online scam losses, with $2.9 billion lost annually, and most scams originating from Meta-owned platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The report highlights growing concerns over AI-fueled scams, with many Americans feeling less confident in identifying scams and younger demographics increasingly affected. Legislative efforts, including Pennsylvania’s Senate Bill 649 and the federal Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct Act, aim to address and mitigate these issues.

Pennsylvania ranks high for online scams, as reported by the Consumer Federation of America. Each year, Pennsylvanians lose $2.9 billion to online scams, averaging $220 per person.

Ben Winters, AI and privacy director at the Consumer Federation of America, noted that most online scams originate on Meta-owned social media. “The Better Business Bureau identifies Facebook in 57% of social media scams, with Instagram at 22% and WhatsApp at 8%,” Winters explained.

Winters mentioned that over two-thirds of Americans have experienced online scams. Many view scams and fraud as growing problems, exacerbated by AI, demanding urgent change.

In 2025, Pennsylvania implemented Senate Bill 649, an anti-fraud measure against AI-driven scams.

The report estimates a nationwide loss of $119 billion to scams and fraud.

Kelsey Souter from Upswing Research stated that one in three Americans feel less capable of identifying scams than a year ago. She cited a Microsoft survey indicating that scams are a global concern affecting all ages, including young people.

“A total of 91% of teens surveyed expressed AI concerns,” Souter said, “and 77% are particularly worried about AI-based scams.”

The Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct Act, introduced by Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., and Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., seeks to tackle the rising issue of online scams.