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.
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
China In Perspective: Confidence, certainty and potential behind China's 2024 growth target
Panel discussions held during BFA Annual Conference 2024
Hengqin starts new customs operation in S China
Everybody may love Raymond, but Ray Romano loves Peter Boyle
Interview: Popularity of Chinese NEVs soaring in Europe, says BYD's Dutch partner
China's industrial output up 7 pct in Jan
Energy storage industry put on fast track in China
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
Why Middle East becomes popular holiday choices for Chinese tourists?
Supreme Court rejects an appeal from a Canadian man once held at Guantanamo
China ready to unleash growth potential