Americans say scam messages are now part of daily life, and many believe AI is making the problem harder to fight.
A new U.S. News survey finds that 46% of Americans receive communications they suspect are scams every single day, with more than three in four, or 77%, say suspected scammers target them at least once a week.
The nationwide survey polled 1,252 American adults through PureSpectrum between January 30th and February 3rd, 2026. Respondents were asked how often they are targeted, whether they have lost money and how AI is changing the fraud landscape.
The data shows the financial toll is real.
Nearly one in four respondents, 23%, say they have lost money to a financial scam within the past three years. Among those victims, the median loss was $250, while the average loss came in at $1,917. Less than half, or 36%, say they were able to recoup their funds.
Most Americans also say they are adjusting their behavior in response.
Seventy-seven percent report changing their online or financial habits to protect themselves. Many now ignore or delete messages from unknown senders, and others say they are far more cautious about sharing personal information over the phone, by text or through email.
The survey also finds that AI appears to be a growing concern.
Two-thirds of respondents, 67%, believe AI will put their financial health at risk. An even larger share, 79%, say scams are becoming harder to identify as fraudsters use AI tools to make their schemes more convincing.
Despite the growing threat, Americans are divided over who should take primary responsibility for stopping it.
Thirty-nine percent say it is up to individuals to protect themselves. Thirty-two percent place the burden on banks and financial institutions. And about 30% say government and law enforcement should lead the effort.
The data suggests that while Americans may feel confident in spotting scams, many also sense the rules are changing as technology improves.
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