FBI: Online Scams Cost Americans a Record $16.6 Billion in 2024

Washington D.C. - The FBI has released its annual Internet Crime Report, revealing a significant increase in online scams across the United States. In 2024, Americans lost a staggering $16.6 billion to various types of cyber fraud, marking a new record high. The report indicated that more than a quarter of a million complaints were filed by individuals who had fallen victim to these scams.

The most common types of scams included phishing schemes, investment fraud, and romance scams. Phishing, where criminals attempt to steal personal information through deceptive emails or websites, remained a persistent threat. Investment fraud, often involving cryptocurrency or other speculative assets, also saw a sharp rise in reported cases. Romance scams, where individuals are emotionally manipulated into sending money to fake online personas, continue to devastate victims financially and emotionally.

The FBI is urging the public to exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar individuals or websites online. They advise verifying the legitimacy of any requests for personal information or financial transactions. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to report any suspected scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which helps the FBI track and investigate these crimes. Law enforcement agencies are working to combat the increasing sophistication of online scams, but public awareness and vigilance remain crucial in protecting individuals from becoming victims.