The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released its latest Internet Crime Report for 2024, revealing a steep rise in cybercrime-related losses and spotlighting the growing challenges in securing the digital lives of individuals and businesses across the globe.
According to the report, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 859,532 complaints last year, with reported losses totaling more than $16 billion—a significant 33% increase compared to 2023. The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of cyber-enabled crimes affecting citizens in the U.S. and internationally.
Top Internet Crimes in 2024
The most common types of internet crime reported were:
- Phishing/Spoofing
- Extortion
- Personal Data Breaches
These categories dominated complaint submissions, showing how scammers continue to rely on proven methods of manipulation and deception to steal personal information, money, and access credentials.
However, when it comes to financial losses, investment fraud, particularly those involving cryptocurrencies, was the most damaging. Victims reported losses exceeding $6.5 billion, highlighting how scammers are capitalizing on the popularity and complexity of digital currencies.
Senior Citizens Hit the Hardest
In 2024, Americans aged 60 and above filed the most cybercrime complaints—147,127 in total, with reported losses exceeding $4.8 billion. This demographic was not only the most targeted but also the most financially affected.
Individuals in the 50-59 age group followed with $2.5 billion in losses, while those between 40-49 suffered $2.2 billion in financial damage. Although younger age groups, such as those under 20, filed fewer complaints and faced smaller monetary losses, the report indicates no age group is immune to cyber threats.
Cybercrime Trends: 2020–2024
According to IC3 report, the number of annual complaints has remained consistently high, with 2023 peaking at nearly 890,000 complaints. While there was a slight dip in complaint volume in 2024 to around 860,000, financial losses hit more than $16 billion.
Over the last five years alone, IC3 has recorded 4.2 million complaints totaling $50.5 billion in losses, averaging 836,000 complaints annually. Since its inception in 2000, the IC3 has received more than 9 million complaints, highlighting the growing scale and sophistication of cybercrime.
Cyber-Enabled Fraud: A Closer Look
Cyber-enabled fraud accounted for 83% of all reported losses in 2024. This broad category includes crimes where the internet or digital tools are used to commit fraud, steal identities, or impersonate services. Some notable trends include:
- Call Center Scams: Over 53,000 complaints led to $1.9 billion in losses. These typically involve scammers pretending to be representatives from tech companies or financial institutions.
- Tech Support Scams: An increase was seen in fake tech support calls, especially targeting older adults. These scams often direct victims to send cash by mail or wire funds under false pretenses.
- Gold Courier Scams: In one of the most financially damaging schemes, 525 complaints led to $219 million in losses. In these scams, victims are tricked into sending gold or cash via couriers who claim to be officials or bank representatives.
- Toll and Emergency Scams: These included 59,271 complaints and 357 complaints, respectively, highlighting smaller-scale but still harmful frauds involving unpaid toll claims or fake family emergencies.
The FBI also issued alerts for “smishing” scams—fraudulent text messages that trick victims into clicking malicious links or revealing personal data—and scams targeting senior citizens with fake “grandchild in trouble” stories.
Ransomware on the Rise
Another troubling trend in 2024 was the appearance of 67 new ransomware variants, adding to the already complex cyber threat landscape. The most commonly reported new variants were:
- FOG
- Lynx
- Cicada 3301
- Dragonforce
- Frag
These ransomware types often target businesses and infrastructure by encrypting systems and demanding ransom payments, sometimes in cryptocurrency. Information about these variants is passed to FBI field offices to help identify and counteract threats in real-time.
FBI Director Emphasizes Importance of Reporting
FBI Director Kash Patel urged citizens to report suspicious online activity, emphasizing that public participation is essential in combating cybercrime.
“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 Director Patel. “The IC3, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is only as successful as the reports it receives.”
The IC3 platform has become a cornerstone of cybercrime prevention, averaging 836,000 complaints per year, covering a wide range of internet-based fraud schemes.
Global Reach of Cybercrime
Internet crime isn’t limited to the United States. In 2024, IC3 received complaints from over 200 countries, with the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Australia among the top reporting countries outside the U.S.
This international participation provides critical data on how criminals are operating across borders. It also offers insights into where stolen funds are being sent and which countries are most affected.
How the FBI’s IC3 Is Fighting Back
Since its launch in May 2000, the Internet Crime Complaint Center has become a vital resource for law enforcement, compiling over nine million complaints to date. By analyzing submitted data, the IC3 identifies patterns, flags new scams, and partners with law enforcement agencies and private sector organizations.
- Performing analysis, complaint referrals, and freezing illicit assets
- Providing a central hub for public alerts
- Partnering with private and government sectors to strengthen response
- Hosting a secure portal for public crime reporting
- Offering a remote access database for law enforcement
The 2024 Internet Crime Report is more than just a summary—it’s a call to action. It shows the value of reporting even minor incidents. The more detailed and timely the information, the better equipped the FBI and its partners are in combating these crimes.
How to Stay Protected
The FBI recommends a few key practices to protect against online fraud:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited emails or calls requesting personal or financial information.
- Never send money or personal data to unknown parties, especially through unsecured or unconventional methods.
- Enable multi-factor authentication on all your online accounts.
- Regularly check IC3 alerts and FBI consumer notices for the latest scam trends.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a cyber-enabled scam, file a complaint on the IC3 website as soon as possible. The more accurate and complete the report, the more helpful it is in the fight against cybercrime.
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