Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from older Americans last year, an FBI report says
Time:2024-05-22 09:37:11 Source:healthViews(143)
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.
Previous:UN maritime tribunal says countries are legally required to reduce greenhouse gas pollution
Next:Election 2024: Biden and the Democrats raised far less in April than Trump and the GOP
You may also like
- Hometown of Laura Ingalls Wilder set for a growth spurt
- Swayman stops 38 shots, Bruins roll past Panthers 5
- Iran and the UN nuclear agency are still discussing how to implement a 2023 deal on inspections
- Irina Shayk shines in a Swarovski gown at the 2024 Met Gala
- Slovak Parliament votes to condemn political violence after assassination attempt on prime minister
- Michelle Yeoh shines in VERY quirky tin foil
- Penske suspends Cindric, 3 others ahead of the Indianapolis 500
- Gone fishing... for some of New Zealand's trickiest trout: A stay at the world
- New York's high court upholds requiring insurance to cover medically necessary abortions