In a recent report from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James, it was revealed that internet fraud has been on the rise in the state, with more than 3,700 New Yorkers falling victim to scams in the past year. This marks a significant 44% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing threat of online scams and cybercrime in the digital age.
One of the most common forms of internet fraud reported by James’ office is online account takeovers, where scammers compromise individuals’ accounts to gain access to personal information, financial details, and credit card information. This allows scammers to not only steal from their victims but also to use their accounts as a platform to perpetrate further fraud on friends and family members.
Cybersecurity experts believe that the surge in internet fraud can be attributed to the increasing sophistication of AI tools, which have made it easier for scammers to trick unsuspecting individuals through tactics like phishing. By using synthesized voices and posing as legitimate entities like banks, scammers are able to extract sensitive information from their victims without them even realizing it.
Justin Cappos, a cybersecurity professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, emphasized the importance of caution in online interactions, urging consumers to be skeptical of unexpected calls or messages asking for personal information. He recommended using strong, unique passwords for each account and enabling multifactor authentication to enhance security measures.
In addition to internet fraud, James’ office also received over 5,100 complaints related to retail sales issues in 2024, including reports of price-gouging and poor customer service. One notable trend was the increase in price-gouging for eggs and poultry, which was exacerbated by the ongoing bird flu outbreak. The fluctuating prices of essential items like eggs have put a strain on consumers and businesses alike, making it difficult to maintain affordable prices for products like the classic New York bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwich.
Apart from retail sales complaints, James’ office addressed a range of other consumer issues, including landlord-tenant disputes, deed theft, and credit fraud. The rise in landlord-tenant disputes, particularly over security deposits and evictions, has raised concerns about tenant rights and protections in the state. Deed theft, a type of property fraud where individuals are tricked into transferring property rights, has also been a significant issue, prompting legislative action to combat this form of exploitation.
In response to the prevalence of deed theft, James’ office outlined several precautions for homeowners, such as hiring independent legal counsel, being cautious of promises to repurchase transferred property, and verifying fees related to loan modifications. With new laws in place to prosecute deed theft and enhance civil protections for property owners, the attorney general’s office is taking steps to safeguard homeowners against fraudulent schemes.
Overall, the increase in internet fraud and consumer complaints underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness in the digital realm. By staying informed, using secure passwords, and exercising caution in online interactions, New Yorkers can better protect themselves from falling victim to scams and fraudsters in an increasingly connected world.