Washington D.C. - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its annual Internet Crime Report on Wednesday, detailing the significant financial losses suffered by senior citizens in 2024. According to the report, seniors lost a total of $4.8 billion to various scams, marking a concerning trend in elder fraud.
The report identifies several prevalent scam types targeting seniors, including romance scams, tech support fraud, and government imposter scams. Romance scams often involve criminals creating fake online profiles to build relationships with victims before soliciting money. Tech support fraud typically involves scammers posing as technical support representatives and convincing victims to grant them remote access to their computers, allowing them to steal personal information or install malware. Government imposter scams involve criminals posing as government officials to pressure victims into sending them money or personal information.
The FBI is urging families to discuss these scams with their elderly relatives and educate them on how to identify and avoid them. They also recommend that seniors be cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, and online messages, especially those requesting personal information or money. The agency emphasizes the importance of verifying the identity of anyone requesting money or personal information before providing it. The FBI encourages victims of these scams to report them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help law enforcement track down and prosecute the perpetrators. Increased awareness and proactive measures are crucial to protecting seniors from falling victim to these devastating scams.
FBI: Scammers Stole $4.8 Billion From Seniors in 2024
The FBI's latest internet crime report reveals that older adults lost a staggering $4.8 billion to scams in 2024. These scams range from romance schemes to tech support fraud, often targeting seniors' savings. The FBI is urging families to educate their loved ones about common scams and how to avoid becoming victims. This report highlights the growing need for increased awareness and preventative measures to protect vulnerable populations.
Source: Read the original article at ABC