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
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
A university boss has been praised after telling a pro-Gaza student mob he will not meet them until2024-05-21- NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have traded a seventh-round pick in the upcoming NFL dr2024-05-21
Australia to open the Formula 1 season in 2025 as Bahrain and Saudi races shift for Ramadan
LONDON (AP) — Lewis Hamilton’s first race in a Ferrari will be in Australia.Next year’s Formula 1 se2024-05-21Rudy Gobert's big night lifts Timberwolves past Hawks and into a first
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Rudy Gobert had 25 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks to help the Minnesota Timb2024-05-21- Tom Holland enjoyed a post-show cup of tea and proudly waved to fans as he left the Duke of York's T2024-05-21
Max Fried has strong outing against Marlins after uncharacteristically poor start to season
MIAMI (AP) — Max Fried’s start to the season has been frustrating.The Atlanta Braves left-hander did2024-05-21
atest comment