Latest news with #2024InternetCrimeReport
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cold, hard truth: Alaskans lose $26M to Internet crime
May 13 (UPI) -- Alaskans lost more than $26 million last year to Internet crime through investment fraud, business email compromise and tech support scams, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center released its 2024 Internet Crime Report last month. On Tuesday, FBI Anchorage reported Alaskans filed 6,770 complaints about losses totaling $26.2 million, which is down 17% from 2023, when Alaskans lost $31.7 million. Over the last decade, Alaskans have reported online losses of more than $118 million. More than $11.7 million, or 45%, of last year's losses were cryptocurrency-related. "Last year alone, Alaskans reported over $26 million in financial losses due to online frauds and scams, many of which involved cryptocurrency transactions," said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. "This isn't just stolen money -- it's the stolen savings and retirement funds of hardworking Americans, siphoned from our local economy," Day added. The Internet crimes that hit Alaskans fell into three categories, according to the FBI. Investment fraud deceived investors into making purchases based on false information. Business email compromise, or BEC, targeted businesses and individuals who work with suppliers that perform wire transfer payments. The scams would compromise email accounts, phone numbers and virtual meeting applications in order to conduct unauthorized transfers of funds. And tech support fraud involved individuals "posing" as technical or customer support service to gain private information. Last month, the FBI released its annual report on Internet crimes, which found cybercrime cost U.S. citizens nearly $16 billion last year, as phishing, extortion and personal data breaches spiked. Financial losses for 2024 exceeded losses for 2023 by 33%. "Reporting is one of the first and most important steps in fighting crime so law enforcement can use this information to combat a variety of frauds and scams," FBI Director Kash Patel said last month. The FBI urges everyone, no matter the amount of financial loss, to notify all financial institutions involved in the fraudulent transactions and then submit a complaint to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, or "To strengthen our collective response to this growing threat, and to help prevent further exploitation and financial harm," Day said, "we urge residents and businesses to stay vigilant and immediately report online fraud to your financial institution and IC3."
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man posing as bank worker, then FBI scammed senior out of $55K — what to know as these frauds spike
One phone call was all it took to jeopardize an elderly Florida man's financial security. Police in Pembroke Pines say the man was the victim of a brazen scam that drained $55,000 from his bank — the latest in a heartbreaking wave of scams targeting vulnerable older adults. Police say Terol Castel Lyn, posing as a Wells Fargo bank employee, contacted the victim and told him his account was part of an active criminal investigation. But instead of advising the victim to freeze his funds or visit a branch, Lyn instructed him to withdraw the money and meet Lyn to hand over the cash. Over two days in April, that's exactly what the victim did, and Lyn allegedly wasn't finished: Police say he warned the man the FBI would be contacting him for additional payments. The victim's son grew suspicious when he learned about the unusual bank withdrawals and reported it to local authorities. Working with the Pembroke Pines Police Department, they quickly set up a sting operation. When Lyn showed up to collect an additional payment, police moved in for an arrest. Lyn fled but was later caught in Fort Lauderdale. He faces charges of felony larceny on a victim 65 years of age or older, felony fraud and other charges, and police are exploring whether the scheme may have targeted additional victims. Police are now urging families in the area to closely monitor the bank accounts of elderly relatives and to be vigilant for similar scam attempts. Don't miss Scams target the vulnerable The Florida case is far from isolated. Scams targeting seniors are surging. Americans over the age of 60 reported approximately $4.8 billion in financial losses to internet-related crimes in 2024 — a sharp increase from previous years, with both the number of complaints and total losses for this age group rising by more than 40% from 2023, according to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report. Impersonation scams, where criminals pose as trusted institutions like government agencies, banks or law enforcement, were among the most common tactics, the report found. And the true numbers could be even higher: The FBI says many seniors are too embarrassed or confused to report scams once they've fallen victim. Scammers know exactly how to manipulate their targets. They exploit trust, fear, and urgency and they often strike when victims are most vulnerable or isolated. Read more: Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? How to spot a scam and protect your loved ones Stopping scams like this starts with education and vigilance. Here's what you — and your elderly loved ones — need to know to stay protected: **Watch out for requests for cash: **No legitimate bank or FBI agent will ever ask a citizen to withdraw cash and hand it over in person. If you get a call like this, it's a scam. Hang up immediately. Verify before you act: If you get a suspicious call, don't act on it right away. Look up the official phone number of the bank or agency and call them yourself to verify. Never trust caller ID, since scammers can spoof phone numbers to look legitimate. Beware of pressure tactics: Fraudsters often create fake emergencies. If someone says you must act "right now," slow down. Pressure to act fast is a huge red flag. **Set up account alerts: **Banks offer free tools to monitor accounts for unusual transactions. Set up text or email alerts for all major withdrawals or charges over a certain amount. **Talk to your family: **Have regular conversations with older family members about common scams. Make sure they know it's okay to call you before taking action on anything suspicious. **Help older adults with technology: **Teach elderly loved ones how to block unknown callers on their cell phones and report spam calls. Some apps even screen calls automatically to prevent scam attempts. If you suspect fraud, contact your local police department and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
FBI report: Hawaii victims lost over $55M to internet crime
JAMM AQUINO / JULY 24 Acting U.S. Attorney for Hawaii Kenneth M. Sorenson JAMM AQUINO / JULY 24 Acting U.S. Attorney for Hawaii Kenneth M. Sorenson Online crime cost Hawaii residents $55, 180, 901 last year with kupuna age 60 and over losing more than $18 million, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's 2024 Internet Crime Report. Hawaii generated 2, 603 online fraud complaints last year tied to U.S. dollar losses. Cryptocurrency investors in Hawaii filed 709 complaints and lost crypto valued at $24, 893, 821. Kupuna in Hawaii over the age of 60 filed 647 complaints last year and lost $18, 851, 052. That is an increase from 453 complaints filed by Hawaii residents age 60 and over in 2023. The 453 represented $27, 965, 497 in losses for seniors. Last year's losses by Hawaii fraud victims represent a sharp increase from 2021, when local people to online crimes. Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the internet allows tremendous convenience in financial dealings, paying bills, buying goods and services and moving funds. 'At the same time it can provide a dangerous and convenient path directly to and from your bank account for a world full of ultra-sophisticated fraudsters and scammers. These scammers can be remarkably ingenious and compellingly convincing. Whether they contact you about virus protection for your computer, through a romance scam, pretend to be law enforcement officers who threaten to arrest you for your alleged failure to show up for jury duty (and now you must pay a $10, 000 bond or be arrested ), they have hundreds of ways to convince you to send them your money, ' said Sorenson. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Online fraudsters need victims' help and consent. Victims who have been scammed nearly always willingly sent or transmitted their money to the scammer. 'A good general rule : don't send money to someone who cold contacts you by phone, text or computer (including social media ) if you have not met in person and known them for at least six months, ' said Sorenson. 'Criminals often inject urgency and /or authority to instill fear and anxiety so remember that's a warning flag if someone contacts you. Following this advice will prevent a large percentage of internet-based fraud crimes, ' said Sorenson. Nationwide, federal officials saw a new record for losses reported to FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, totaling a 'staggering ' $16.6 billion, according to the report. Fraud represented the bulk of reported losses in 2024, and ransomware was again the most pervasive threat to critical infrastructure, with complaints rising 9 % from 2023. Senior citizens over the age of 60 suffered the most losses and submitted the most complaints. Phishing /spoofing attacks were the most prevalent forms of online fraud last year with 193, 407 complaints logged nationwide by the FBI. Those were followed by 86, 415 extortion complaints, 64, 882 personal data breaches, 49, 572 complaints about nonpayment / nondelivery and 47, 919 fake investment scams. Phishing and spoofing happen through the use of unsolicited email, text messages, and telephone calls purportedly from a legitimate company requesting personal, financial, and /or login credentials. Online extortion complaints are the 'unlawful extraction of money or property through intimidation or undue exercise of authority.' The threats may include physical harm, criminal prosecution, or public exposure. Sorenson cautioned never to invest money with entities or persons 'you do not know, period.' Investors should be aware of 'affinity fraud, ' where scammers will use the names or identities of people or entities their victims are familiar with to bolster their credibility. 'If you want to invest, look to licensed and trusted financial advisors that you select, not some random person that contacts you over the internet or by phone, ' said Sorenson. 'The old adage, 'if it sounds too good to be true, it is' rings true here.' David Porter, FBI Hono lulu's Special Agent in Charge, told the Star-Advertiser that investment fraud, specifically cryptocurrency fraud, continues to 'grow as criminals prey on our elderly community and drain them of their life savings.' 'FBI Honolulu continues to educate our community to recognize the red flags of an investment fraud scheme and take steps to avoid being victimized, ' Porter said. 'If you or someone you know is a victim of an investment fraud, report it even if you aren't sure. Every detail, no matter how small, helps us to disrupt these schemes, seize stolen funds, and bring these criminals to justice.' In April 2024, the Hawaii State Judiciary about scammers posing as police officers, sheriffs and judiciary employees calling people claiming arrest warrants have been issued for missing jury duty. Judiciary officials cautioned that if you get that phone call regarding a 'warrant for failure to appear for jury duty, hang up without responding to any questions or pressing any numbers you may be asked to press.' The would-be scammers are also using email, judiciary officials said. B. Chad Yarbrough, operations director for criminal and cyber at the FBI, said in a statement that last year marked 'a new record for losses reported to IC3 ' with fraud representing the bulk of reported losses and ransomware 'was again the most pervasive threat to critical infrastructure, with complaints rising 9 % from 2023.' The rising losses are 'even more concerning ' because last year the FBI took 'significant actions ' to deter online crime. FBI agents 'dealt a serious blow ' to LockBit, one of the world's most active ransomware groups. Since 2022, we have offered up thousands of decryption keys to victims of ransomware, avoiding over $800 million in payments, ' said Yarbrough. Operation Level Up disbanded fraud and laundering syndicates, shut down scam call centers, shuttered illicit marketplaces, dissolved nefarious 'botnets, ' and put 'hundreds of other actors behind bars.' 'While the top threats facing our country have certainly shifted over the decades, protecting American citizens—whether that means your safety, your money, or your data—remains a cornerstone of the FBI's mission, ' said Yarbrough. 'Without the information you report to us through IC3 or your local FBI Field Office, we simply cannot piece together the puzzle of this ever-shifting threat landscape. If ever you suspect you're a victim of cyber-enabled crime, do not hesitate to let us know. We want to be there for you, and what you report will help us help others.'———Online fraud If you believe you are a victim of online fraud, the FBI urges you to :—Immediately contact your bank or financial institution.—Report the incident to law enforcement.—File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at kupuna don't have access to the internet, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833 –FRAUD –11 (833 –372-8311 ), which is available for assistance with filing a report. 0 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Tennesseans lost millions in cryptocurrency scams last year, per FBI
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The FBI analyzed trends from more than 850,000 complaints of suspected internet crime last year and found that cryptocurrency fraud was one of the top cyber crimes in 2024. The 2024 Internet Crime Report, published Wednesday by the FBI, revealed that the Volunteer State lost more than $82 million to cryptocurrency scams last year. Nationwide data revealed a 33% increase in losses from the year prior. However, the FBI isn't the only agency that has been tracking scams — so has the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee. 'From the reports that we've seen, on average, it's been about $5,000 lost to these types of scams, and usually the age group is 35 and up,' said Lorneth Peters, vice president of marketing engagement for the BBB of Middle Tennessee. 'We are unable to track where the money went, [or] who you sent the money to; tracking that information is somewhat complex.' According to the FBI report, there are some popular ways the scams were carried out. They include extortion In one investment fraud tactic called 'pig butchering,' scammers target victims online and develop relationships before introducing a fraudulent opportunity for cryptocurrency investment. Personal data breaches were also common. FBI data also showed that people aged 60 and over submitted the most complaints to the agency. That age group also suffered the most losses after falling victim to cryptocurrency fraud. 'When people are working with crypto and Bitcoin online, they often don't know who they're talking to and they're often, often targeted.' Janet Gatewood, one of the owners of Bitcoin Ben's Crypto Club Nashville, told News 2. Janet and Todd Gatewood said they set the business up to help educate the community on how to use cryptocurrency safely. They operate the business out of Brentwood and frequently assist senior citizens and other community members with information about how to navigate the digital landscape. They say it's important to do your research. ⏩ 'With the advent of AI and everything else, it's going to get tougher,' Todd said. The FBI also has tips on protecting yourself: Don't invest with someone you don't know and have only met online. If an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Confirm that what you're investing in is valid. If you believe you've been a victim of a cryptocurrency scam, you can follow this link to file a report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
FBI reports increase in Pennsylvania cyber crimes
(WJET/WFXP) – A new report from the FBI found that Pennsylvanians experienced more cybercrime in 2024 than in previous years. According to the 2024 Internet Crime Report, released by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Pennsylvania ranked fifth out of all states in the number of cybercrime complaints reported and eighth in terms of total monetary losses. Crawford County couple targeted in PayPal scam In 2024, Pennsylvania residents made 859,532 complaints of suspected internet crime. Of those complaints, residents reported more than $16 million in losses, which is a 33% increase from 2023. The three most common cybercrimes reported in Pennsylvania were: Phishing/Spoofing – 8,611 reports Extortion – 3,291 reports Personal data breach – 2,413 reports Pennsylvanians over the age of 60 were the most targeted demographic. Chautauqua Co. woman accused of stealing $27,000 in SNAP benefits 'We see the real-world impacts of these schemes every day, and it is devastating. People are losing everything they have in these situations, including their life savings and their sense of security,' said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. 'Empowering the public with the knowledge of how to spot these scams in their daily life, and how to protect their friends, families, and neighbors, is among the top priorities for the FBI.' To see the entire 2024 Internet Crime Report, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
