The FBI has recently published its 2024 Internet Crime Report, shedding light on the alarming increase in cybercrime-related losses and underscoring the mounting challenges in safeguarding the digital landscape for individuals and businesses worldwide. With a total of 859,532 complaints received by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) last year, the reported losses surpassed $16 billion, marking a significant 33% surge compared to the previous year. This report offers a comprehensive overview of cyber-enabled crimes affecting citizens in the United States and beyond.
The most prevalent types of internet crimes reported in 2024 included phishing/spoofing, extortion, and personal data breaches. These categories remained predominant in complaint submissions, demonstrating how scammers continue to rely on manipulation and deception to illicitly obtain personal information, money, and credentials. Investment fraud, particularly those involving cryptocurrencies, emerged as the most financially damaging, with victims reporting losses exceeding $6.5 billion. This underscores how scammers are exploiting the popularity and complexity of digital currencies to defraud individuals and organizations.
In the realm of cybercrime, senior citizens aged 60 and above bore the brunt of the attacks in 2024, accounting for 147,127 complaints and losses exceeding $4.8 billion. This demographic not only faced the highest number of targeted attacks but also suffered the most significant financial impact. Following closely behind were individuals in the 50-59 age group, with losses totaling $2.5 billion, and those aged 40-49, who reported $2.2 billion in financial damage. Despite younger age groups filing fewer complaints and experiencing smaller monetary losses, the report highlighted the universal vulnerability to cyber threats across all age demographics.
A closer look at cyber-enabled fraud revealed that 83% of reported losses in 2024 stemmed from fraudulent activities. These encompassed crimes where the internet or digital tools were leveraged to commit fraud, steal identities, or impersonate services. Notable trends included call center scams, tech support scams, gold courier scams, and toll and emergency scams. Additionally, the FBI issued warnings about “smishing” scams and scams targeting senior citizens with fabricated “grandchild in trouble” narratives.
One concerning trend in 2024 was the proliferation of 67 new ransomware variants, further complicating the cyber threat landscape. These ransomware types, including FOG, Lynx, Cicada 3301, Dragonforce, and Frag, typically target businesses and critical infrastructure by encrypting systems and demanding ransom payments, often in cryptocurrency. Information about these variants is shared with FBI field offices to bolster real-time threat detection and mitigation efforts.
FBI Director Kash Patel stressed the importance of reporting suspicious online activities to combat cybercrime effectively. He emphasized the vital role of public participation in providing critical information for law enforcement to address various frauds and scams. The Internet Crime Complaint Center, celebrating its 25th anniversary, has been instrumental in cybercrime prevention, receiving an average of 836,000 complaints annually and offering a central platform for reporting cyber-related incidents.
Despite originating in the United States, internet crime transcends national borders, with IC3 receiving complaints from over 200 countries globally. Top reporting countries outside the US included the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Australia, underscoring the international nature of cyber threats and the importance of cooperation in combating transnational cybercrime.
Since its establishment in 2000, the IC3 has evolved into a vital resource for law enforcement, accumulating over nine million complaints to date. By analyzing reported data, identifying patterns, and collaborating with public and private sector partners, the IC3 plays a crucial role in enhancing cybercrime response and resilience. Key initiatives include performing analysis, providing public alerts, partnering with various sectors, offering a secure crime reporting portal, and maintaining a remote access database for law enforcement agencies.
The 2024 Internet Crime Report serves as a clarion call for action, urging individuals to report even minor incidents to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in combating cybercrime. The timely and detailed reporting of cyber incidents equips the FBI and its partners with the necessary information to counter these evolving threats effectively.
To shield against online fraud, the FBI recommends adopting key protective measures, such as exercising caution with unsolicited communications, refraining from sharing personal or financial information with unknown entities, enabling multi-factor authentication on online accounts, and staying informed about the latest scam trends through IC3 alerts and FBI consumer notices. In the event of falling victim to a cyber-enabled scam, individuals are encouraged to file a complaint on the IC3 website promptly to support the ongoing fight against cybercrime.
In conclusion, the 2024 Internet Crime Report underscores the escalating threat landscape posed by cybercriminals and the imperative for collective action to combat these nefarious activities. By remaining vigilant, proactive, and informed, individuals and organizations can bolster their defenses against cyber threats and contribute to a safer digital environment for all.