According to data from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States, the main target for carrying out online fraud is people over 60 years old. This age group reported a 33% increase in incidents, amounting to more than $16 billion scammed online. The scams that work best on these people are those in which fraudsters pose as FBI agents. USA Today reported on the case of James Yancy’s father, who, after explaining to his son that the FBI and IRS were in contact with him to inform him that his identity had been stolen, realized that he had been scammed.
The Washington Post also reported on the case of Judith Boivin, from whom crooks managed to take nearly $600,000. From the Portland office, a public warning has been issued, advising citizens on the aspects they should be aware of to detect a scam in the name of the FBI. Additionally, they also urge those who believe they are being targeted by a scam to report it by calling the FBI’s Portland Division at 503-224-4181.
Online scams
The annual report data from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has reported a significant increase in the number of online scam cases, which rose especially in 2024. This type of scam seems to affect people over 60 the most, with a 33% increase in incidents and exceeding $16 billion in scams. This age group is more attractive to scammers because they tend to have higher savings. One of the main scams carried out online is impersonating an FBI agent and warning that their retirement savings are at risk.
Real cases of online scams
USA Today told the story of James Yancy’s father, 67 years old, who was allegedly contacted by the FBI and the IRS to warn him that his savings were in danger and that they needed to be withheld for safekeeping. After telling his 33-year-old son, they realized that the man had been scammed and had lost approximately $400,000 in gift cards, Bitcoin, and gold that he had handed over to the scammers. This is not the only case, as The Washington Post also shared the full story of Judith Boivin, 67, who in Crooks managed to take almost $600,000 from her.
Warning signs
Since scams involve impersonating FBI agents, the Portland Division office has issued a public warning to alert citizens about the aspects they should pay attention to in order to avoid falling for these types of scams. It states that the FBI will never proceed in the following manner:
- Call or e-mail private citizens to demand payment or threaten arrest. You will also not be asked to wire a “settlement” to avoid arrest.
- Ask you to use large sums of your own money to help catch a criminal.
- Ask you for wire transfers or gift cards.
- Call you about “frozen” Social Security numbers or to coordinate inheritances.
If you notice any of the following behaviors, you should also consider that you may be a victim of fraud:
- Misspellings.
- Missing words.
- Incorrect grammar.
According to de agency, “Fraudulent e-mails may give the appearance of legitimacy by using pictures of the FBI Director and/or the FBI seal and letterhead”. If you suspect that you are a victim of fraud, the FBI urges citizens to contact the FBI’s Portland Division at 503-224-4181, local police, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. If you receive a fraudulent phone call or email, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission online or by calling 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357), and those over 60 who have lost money as a result of a scam are asked to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline by calling 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).