The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has released its 2024 annual report, underscoring the impact of online crime on communities across the nation. In total, 333,981 complaints were filed last year, representing $13.7 billion in reported losses.
Georgia’s Losses Among the Nation’s Highest
Georgia ranked seventh in the nation for total reported financial losses, with residents losing more than $420 million in 2024. Other states with significant losses included California ($2.5 billion), Texas ($1.3 billion), and Florida ($1 billion). For city leaders, these numbers are a stark reminder that online crime is not just a national issue; it is affecting residents and communities across Georgia.
Older Adults Are the Most Impacted
The report highlights a troubling trend for local governments: older adults are the most frequent and most heavily impacted victims of internet-enabled crime. In 2024, Georgians and others aged 60 and older reported 147,127 complaints nationwide, with losses totaling $4.8 billion; by far the largest of any age group.
Common Schemes Driving Complaints
IC3 data show that scams ranging from business email compromise to toll and emergency scams are driving complaints and losses. Among the most notable:
- Call Center Scams: Victims are contacted by fraudsters posing as tech support, government agencies, or financial institutions. These scams accounted for 53,369 complaints and $1.9 billion in losses in 2024.
- Emergency Scams: Criminals impersonate family members or friends in distress, often targeting seniors with urgent pleas for money. Victims reported $2.7 million in losses last year.
- Gold Courier Scams: A growing tactic in which victims are tricked into handing over cash, jewelry, or precious metals to couriers sent by fraudsters. Losses reached $219 million nationwide.
Why This Matters for Cities
While the FBI manages investigations and enforcement, the impact is deeply local. Losses affect residents, businesses, and in some cases, municipal operations themselves. For city leaders, the IC3 findings reinforce the importance of understanding how scams affect residents, not just financially, but in terms of trust, confidence, and quality of life.
Reporting Fraud to IC3
Cities can encourage their residents to report fraud ASAP to the IC3. The FBI has created this flyer and notice to encourage immediate reporting of fraud using the IC3 form. Reporting immediately enables swift action that can sometimes stop fraudulent money transfers.