CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A new report shows cybercrime is up, and people are losing more money because of it.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint center released its report from 2024 indicating $16 billion in losses, which is a 33% increase from 2023.
According to the report, North Carolina ranks in the top 10 states by number of complaints.
South Carolina ranks 22.
Reports of losses in North Carolina totaled more than $324 million.
In South Carolina, they totaled more than $146 million.
The complaints increase with age, with people in the 60 and older category making up the majority of reports and highest losses.
The most common complaint was phishing, and the one leading to the most money lost was investment crimes.
Cryptocurrency fraud resulted in $9.3 billion in losses, which is a 66% increase.
Here’s what you should do to protect yourself, and the advice you should share with loved ones to prevent them from becoming victims:
· Resist the pressure to act quickly
· Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls
· Never wire money to someone you have not met in person
· Do not open emails or click on attachments or links you don’t recognize
If you suspect you have become a victim, file a complaint on the IC3 website.
Copyright 2025 WBTV. All rights reserved.
Click Here For The Original Source.