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.
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
Start of Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial is delayed a week to mid
The NBA playoffs are finally here. And as LeBron James says, 'it's a sprint now'
Larry David reunites with onscreen ex
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
Olympic organizers unveil strategy for using artificial intelligence in sports
The 20 best shows to watch On Demand this weekend
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection after closing some restaurants
Italian court drops charges against migrant rescue ship crews and ends long
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
Apple pulls WhatsApp and Threads from App Store on Beijing's orders