Cyber Scammers BLEED America for $16B!
Cybercriminals siphoned off a staggering $16.6 billion from Americans in 2024, according to FBI data, as online scams continue to escalate at an alarming rate.
At a Glance
Cybercriminals stole $16.6 billion in 2024, a 33% rise from 2023
FBI received over 850,000 cybercrime complaints last year
Seniors lost over $4.8 billion, suffering the largest financial hits
California reported $2.5 billion in scam losses, the highest nationwide
The Digital Crime Wave
Americans are facing a relentless digital assault, with cyber scams exploding to new heights. According to NBC News, the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report confirms an eye-watering $16.6 billion was lost to online scams in 2024, marking a devastating 33% jump over the previous year.
The primary targets? Seniors—who collectively lost a crushing $4.8 billion—and residents of California, where scam losses topped $2.5 billion, highlighting a troubling vulnerability even in America’s tech epicenter.
Watch NBC News’ full breakdown of the cybercrime surge.
The Most Common Scams
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center catalogued a staggering 850,000 complaints, with phishing, extortion, and identity theft leading the charge. Investment fraud alone accounted for over $6.5 billion in losses. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency scams, fueled by deceptive investments and laundering operations, racked up an additional $2.8 billion in theft.
“Cryptocurrency has become an enticing means to cheat investors, launder proceeds, and engage in other illicit schemes,” said B. Chad Yarbrough, underscoring the mounting challenges law enforcement faces.
Seniors: The Hardest Hit
Seniors—already at risk from traditional fraud—are now being devastated by digital crime. Losses for those over 60 years old averaged an astonishing $83,000 per victim, as scammers exploit unfamiliarity with online systems to devastating effect. The FBI has issued renewed warnings to seniors and their families to stay vigilant, verify communications, and safeguard their personal data rigorously.
— John Reed Stark (@JohnReedStark) December 10, 2024
Fighting Back Against Cybercrime
The virtual world is increasingly treacherous. Scams ranging from fake tech support to “romance scams” and bogus toll charges are preying on unsuspecting victims. “Since 2020, the virtualization of everything in our lives has increased the attack surface,” noted Deputy Assistant Director Cynthia Kaiser, according to CBS News.
In response, experts urge stronger cybersecurity habits:
Double-check email and text links before clicking
Never send money to unknown sources, especially via gift cards
Use complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication
Regularly monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity
Failure to adapt could mean even greater losses as cybercrime networks become more sophisticated and global in reach.
Cybersecurity expert Jared Downing warned via New York Post, “CYBER SCAMS ARE SKYROCKETING, COSTING AMERICANS $16B — AND THIS STATE LOST THE MOST TO ONLINE FRAUDSTERS.”
The message is clear: in today’s digital era, staying safe demands constant vigilance.