OHIO — Victims reported losing more than $16 billion in 2024 as a result of cyber crimes, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2024 Internet Crime Report.
In a news release announcing the report, the FBI highlighted the staggering losses represent a 33% increase from those the previous year.
“Reporting is one of the first and most important steps in fighting crime so law enforcement can use this information to combat a variety of frauds and scams,” said FBI Director Kash Patel said in the release. “The IC3, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is only as successful as the reports it receives; that’s why it’s imperative that the public immediately report suspected cyber-enabled criminal activity to the FBI.”
The FBI said the top three crimes based on reports were phishing/spoofing, extortion and breaches of personal data.
“Victims of investment fraud, specifically those involving cryptocurrency, reported the most losses—totaling over $6.5 billion,” the release reads.
Older adults faced a higher risk. People over the age of 60 suffered almost $5 billion in losses, according to the release. They accounted for 147,127 of the 859,532 complaints last year.
As a state, Ohio ranked seventh in complaints with 24,915
The Buckeye State placed 15th for losses, however, with more than $278 million.
“The FBI recommends that everyone frequently review consumer and industry alerts published by the IC3,” the release reads. “If you or your business are a victim of an internet crime, immediately notify all financial institutions involved in the relevant transactions, submit a complaint to www.ic3.gov, contact your nearest FBI field office, and contact local law enforcement.”
Here’s the full report:
