Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from older Americans last year, an FBI report says
WASHINGTON (AP) — Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from older Americans last year, according to an FBI report released Tuesday that shows a rise in losses through increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics to trick the vulnerable into giving up their life savings.
Losses from scams reported by Americans over the age of 60 last year were up 11% over the year before, according to the FBI’s report. Investigators are warning of a rise in brazen schemes to drain bank accounts that involve sending couriers in person to collect cash or gold from victims.
“It can be a devastating impact to older Americans who lack the ability to go out and make money,” said Deputy Assistant Director James Barnacle of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “People lose all their money. Some people become destitute.”
The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints by victims of scams over the age of 60 last year, with nearly 6,000 people losing more than $100,000. It follows a sharp rise in reported losses by older Americans in the two years after the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, when people were stuck at home and easier for scammers to reach over the phone.
Related articles
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
DENVER (AP) — Anthony Edwards overcame a slow start and the Timberwolves roared back from a 20-point2024-05-222 killed in vessel collision in waters off east China
Two people have been confirmed dead and one is still missing after two boats collided in the waters2024-05-22Women's soccer coach accused of sexual harassment in Brazil resigns after protests
SAO PAULO (AP) — The male coach of a Brazilian women’s soccer team resigned on Monday after accusati2024-05-22Decades after a US butterfly species vanished, a close relative is released to fill gap
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than 80 years ago, a beautiful butterfly called Xerces Blue that once flut2024-05-22- Director David Cronenberg returned to the south of France to premiere his new film The Shrouds, earn2024-05-22
Hong Kong marks key education day on safeguarding national security
The opening ceremony of the 2024 National Security Education Day is held at the Hong Kong Convention2024-05-22
atest comment