ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Alaskans reported nearly $40 million in losses to cyber-enabled crime last year, a record high that underscores how online scams are growing more costly and more sophisticated, according to a new FBI report.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center said Alaska residents filed 3,202 complaints in 2025, with reported financial loss surging 52% from the previous year. Nationwide, Americans submitted more than 1 million complaints and reported nearly $21 billion in losses, a 26% jump from 2024.
Nearly half of the money lost in Alaska — more than $18.6 million — was tied to cryptocurrency, a sign of how digital assets have become a favored tool for fraudsters.
The costliest scams in the state were investment fraud, which accounted for $13.2 million in losses, followed by confidence or romance scams at $7.1 million, and business email compromise at $7 million, according to the report.
Older Alaskans bore the heaviest financial burden. Residents 60 and older reported $16.2 million in losses, the highest of any age group in the state.
In the release, FBI Anchorage Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel said the figures reflect more than statistics, pointing to families who have lost savings, retirement money and financial stability.
“Behind these numbers are real people – Alaskan families who lost hard-earned savings, retirement funds, and financial security. To combat this ever-evolving threat, it has never been more important for residents and businesses to be diligent with cybersecurity, electronic interactions, and safeguarding personal and financial information,” Schlegel said.
The report paints a picture of cybercrime as being increasingly difficult to spot. Investment schemes promise large returns with little risk. Romance scams exploit trust and emotional connection. Business email compromise schemes often involve criminals compromising various forms of communication.
The FBI urged people and businesses to report cybercrime quickly through IC3.gov and to notify financial institutions immediately if money has been sent. The agency also encouraged the public to “take a beat” before responding to urgent messages or sending money.
For Alaska, the report marks another sharp rise in a troubling long-term trend: over the past decade, reported cybercrime losses in the state have exceeded $158 million, according to the FBI release.
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