The numbers are in—and they’re terrifying. The FBI has sounded the alarm: Scammers raked in a jaw-dropping $16.6 billion last year, marking a 33% surge from 2023. If you think you’re safe, think again—because no one is off-limits in this digital crime wave.
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, over 250,000 victims reported losing money to online scams in 2024, with the average person losing nearly $19,000. But here’s the chilling part—this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Many victims never report the crimes, meaning billions more could be vanishing without a trace.
Cybercriminals are exploiting every corner of our connected lives. From ransomware attacks crippling critical infrastructure to cunning investment schemes, the digital underworld is thriving. The elderly were hit hardest—Americans over 60 lost a staggering $4.8 billion, with average losses soaring to $83,000 per victim. That’s four times higher than the overall average loss.
No scam was too low. Investment fraud topped the list, stealing $6.5 billion, while business email compromises, tech support scams, and even romance scams drained billions more from unsuspecting victims. Cryptocurrency played a starring role in these heists, giving criminals the perfect cover to vanish with your life savings.
And if you live in California? You’re in the bullseye, reporting the highest losses nationwide.
How to Stay Safe in a Digital War Zone
In a world where one click can drain your bank account, vigilance is your best defense. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Never trust unsolicited emails, texts, or calls—especially those asking for money, personal info, or urging immediate action.
- Double-check investment opportunities—if it sounds too good to be true, it is.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
- Avoid sending payments via cryptocurrency or wire transfers unless you are certain of the recipient.
- Educate elderly family members, who are prime targets for scammers.
- Keep your devices up to date and install reputable security software.
Remember—scammers thrive on urgency and trust. Slow down, verify, and when in doubt, report suspicious activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Your awareness could be the difference between staying secure and becoming the next statistic.