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. |
Who is youngestRadek Faksa scores in return, Stars oust defending Stanley Cup champ Golden Knights 2Millions of people across Oklahoma, southern Kansas at risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstormsMinnesota legislators consider constitutional amendment to protect abortion and LGBTQ rightsDefending national champion LSU boosts its postseason hopes with series win against Texas A&MSkye Wheatley hosts reunion with her I'm A Celebrity coTravis Kelce parties at starTrump Media fires auditing firm that US regulators have charged with 'massive fraud'155 police officers injured at German soccer match, most from tearDanish King Frederik and his Australian