Cybercrime is no longer just a consumer issue; it’s a growing threat to public trust, local services, and the financial well-being of communities.
In a recent Maryland Matters article, former FBI investigator Greg Louderback explains how international criminal networks now run large-scale operations that employ psychological strategies to exploit individuals, utilizing tactics such as romance scams and fake investments. These networks operate mostly outside US jurisdiction and evolve faster than law enforcement can keep up. Cyber scams drained over $12.5 billion from Americans last year.
Louderback urges Congress to adopt a more aggressive and coordinated approach. He recommends funding specialized law enforcement teams, improving cooperation among federal agencies, and using diplomatic and intelligence tools to disrupt overseas scam operations. Without a stronger response, he warns, these scams will continue to devastate individuals and communities across the country.
From the article:
These fraud networks now rival drug cartels in profitability while operating with considerably less risk. Until we pursue them with the same rigor we bring to other forms of organized crime, they will continue stealing billions from vulnerable American citizens. The $12.5 billion figure cited above represents countless personal tragedies: seniors who lost their retirement savings, small business owners who couldn’t meet payroll, and families whose financial security crumbled overnight. The tens of thousands of Americans who have been victimized deserve a better approach.
Counties can play a critical role in a broader strategy to combat cybercrime. Improved education for residents, better reporting systems, and strong partnerships with state and federal law enforcement can help reduce harm. As previously covered by MACo, state and local agencies are encouraged to invest in public awareness, adopt stronger email authentication tools, and expand the use of secure digital portals as a single source of truth for official communications. But lasting change will require coordinated federal investment and policy reform.
Click Here For The Original Source.
