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
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s first Vice President Mohammad Mokhber was appointed as act2024-05-21Nadal says he is not 100% fit ahead of Madrid debut
Rafael Nadal admitted on the eve of his debut in the Madrid Open tennis tournament that he is still2024-05-21Zhejiang overcomes Xinjiang to tie CBA playoff semis
The Zhejiang Golden Bulls defeated the Xinjiang Flying Tigers 95-85 on the road on Saturday to tie t2024-05-21- An unapologetic pit bull owner was seen smiling after he was let off with a light punishment after h2024-05-21
Candice Swanepoel stuns in a form
Candice Swanepoel looked incredible as she arrived at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival premiere2024-05-21America's worst jail? Inmate is the THIRD to escape from facility in less than a month
Three inmates have escaped from one prison in Kentucky in just one month - as they have seemingly ju2024-05-21
atest comment