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# Online Scams Cost Americans Billions Of Dollars
- URL: https://www.cleardailynews.com/online-scams-cost-americans-billions-of-dollars/
- Published: 2026-10-27T12:49:26.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-27T12:49:26.000Z
- Author: Clear Daily News
- Tags: U.S.

## The Main Points

- Americans lost almost $18 billion to online scams last year.
- Very little of that money is ever given back.
- A report says the government needs a better plan to fight scams.

## People To Know

- **Maggie Hassan** — a senator from New Hampshire (Democrat)
- **Don Beyer** — a congressman from Virginia (Democrat)

## Words To Know

- **Scam** — a trick to steal someone’s money.
- **Fraud** — lying to take money or things from people.
- **Report** — a written paper that shares facts about a topic.

## The Story

Many Americans lose money to online scams.

Last year, people told the FBI they lost almost $18 billion.

That is about $2 million every hour.

The real number is probably higher.

Many people never report the crime.

Very little of the money comes back.

In 2025, the FBI returned $336 million to victims.

That is a small part of what was lost.

Many scams come from other countries.

Criminal groups run big scam centers overseas.

Senator Maggie Hassan says they use American technology, including AI.

Hassan and Congressman Don Beyer released a report.

It says the government’s work against scams is scattered.

No one keeps 1 total of the money taken back from scammers.

The report wants Congress to make 1 national plan against scams.

It also wants 1 place where victims can report losses and get help.

The White House also supports more teamwork between agencies.

## Where This Came From

We wrote this story in our own words, using facts reported by:

- [ABC News (Associated Press)](https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/global-cyberscams-bilk-americans-billions-fragmented-us-response-137595923?ref=cleardailynews.com)