#CryptoScamSurge rypto scams have surged to unprecedented levels in recent months. Losses reached about $9.9 billion in 2024 and are projected to exceed $12 billion—or even $15 billion—in 2025, as scammers weaponize generative AI and deepfake technology to impersonate figures like Elon Musk or public officials . “Pig‑butchering” romance scams grew by roughly 40% YoY, contributing more than half of 2024’s scam volume . Wallet compromise and phishing attacks caused over $2 billion in losses in Q1 2025, including a massive $1.5 billion heist at Bybit . With AI-enabled fraud platforms scaling attacks fast, vigilance remains the best defense.