AMERICANS LOST $9.3B TO CRYPTO FRAUD IN 2024! ---FBI
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported that Americans lost a staggering $9.3 billion to cryptocurrency fraud in 2024, a 66% increase from $5.6 billion in 2023. This alarming rise in crypto-related scams has left many individuals, particularly those over 60, vulnerable to financial exploitation.
Key Statistics:
Total Losses: $9.3 billion in 2024, up from $5.6 billion in 2023.
Number of Complaints: 140,000 complaints referencing cryptocurrency in 2024
Most Affected Group: Individuals over 60, with $2.8 billion in losses and 33,000 complaints
Types of Scams: Crypto investment schemes and "sextortion" schemes were the most common
Notable Trends:
Ransomware Threats: Complaints rose 9% from 2023, making ransomware the most pervasive threat to critical infrastructure.
Generative AI: Chainalysis predicts 2025 could see the largest number of scams, as generative AI makes it more scalable and affordable for bad actors to conduct scams
Illicit Crypto Volume: $41 billion in illicit crypto volume in 2024, with 25% involved in hacking, extortion, trafficking, or scams.#MarketRebound