#CryptoScamSurge The first half of 2025 has seen a dramatic surge in cryptocurrency scams, with over \$2.17 billion stolen—surpassing the total losses of 2024. A significant portion of this figure stems from the \$1.5 billion ByBit exchange hack, attributed to North Korean actors .

Scammers are increasingly leveraging AI-driven tactics, including deepfake videos and impersonations of public figures, to deceive victims . These sophisticated methods have led to a rise in "pig butchering" scams, where individuals are manipulated into transferring large sums under false pretenses .

The elderly are particularly vulnerable, often targeted through mobile-based scams and fake crypto ATMs . As the crypto market continues to grow, so does the sophistication of fraudulent schemes, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures and public awareness.