By THE ALASKA STORY
April 23, 2026 – Alaskans are losing money to cyber criminals at record levels, according to the latest report from the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, which shows a sharp rise in both the number of complaints and the total dollars stolen in 2025.
The annual report, released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, found that Americans filed more than 1 million complaints of cyber-enabled crimes last year, with total losses reaching nearly $21 billion — a 26% increase over 2024. Crimes involving cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence were identified as the most financially damaging.
Alaska mirrored the national trend, but with even steeper increases. Alaskans filed 3,202 complaints in 2025, reporting nearly $40 million in losses. That represents a 52% jump, more than $13.6 million higher than the year before, and the highest level ever recorded in the state.
Nearly half of those losses were tied to cryptocurrency, accounting for more than $18.6 million, underscoring the growing role of digital assets in modern fraud schemes.
“Following a more than 50 percent increase from the prior year, these numbers represent the highest financial losses ever reported in Alaska involving cyber-enabled crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office. “Behind these numbers are real people — Alaskan families who lost hard-earned savings, retirement funds, and financial security.”
The most costly scams reported by Alaskans fell into three primary categories. Investment fraud led the way at $13.2 million, as scammers lured victims with promises of high returns and low risk, often involving fake trading platforms or Ponzi-style schemes. Confidence and romance fraud accounted for $7.1 million, with criminals building personal relationships online to manipulate victims into sending money or financial information. Business email compromise schemes followed closely at $7 million, targeting companies and individuals through hacked or spoofed email accounts to redirect legitimate payments.
Older Alaskans were hit the hardest. Residents over the age of 60 reported $16.2 million in losses — the highest among all age groups — and were particularly vulnerable to cryptocurrency-related fraud. Within that group, the most common scams included investment fraud ($6 million), romance scams ($4 million), and tech support fraud ($2.1 million).
Over the past decade, cybercrime losses in Alaska have climbed steadily, with total reported losses now exceeding $158 million.
The IC3, which has served as the FBI’s primary clearinghouse for cybercrime complaints for more than 25 years, compiles its annual reports based on submissions from the public and works to identify trends, issue alerts, and support law enforcement efforts.
Federal officials are urging Alaskans to take extra precautions as scams grow more sophisticated. The FBI advises residents to “take a beat” before responding to unsolicited messages or financial requests, resist pressure to act quickly, and carefully verify any request for money or sensitive information.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized is encouraged to immediately contact their financial institutions and file a complaint through the IC3 website. Authorities also recommend documenting all details of the interaction, including names, contact methods, dates, and payment information, to assist in potential investigations.
As cybercriminals increasingly leverage new technologies and global networks, officials warn that vigilance, both at home and in the workplace, is becoming essential to protecting personal and financial security.
