According to the FBI, Tennesseans lost over $161 million in internet scams last year. Tennessee residents lodge over 8,400 complaints about such scams and the state ranks 21st in the nation for the amount of money lost.
In addition to other cybercrimes, the FBI reports that 2023 saw an 18% increase in ransomware incidents in the U.S. Reported losses from ransomware rose 74% last year, from $34.3 million to $59.6 million.
Across the nation in 2023 an estimated $12.5 billion was stolen by cyber thieves. Victims 30 to 49 years old were the most likely group to report losses from investment fraud, while the elderly accounted for well over half of losses to tech support scams.
People between the ages of 30 and 59 lost $4.4 billion to internet crooks. Those 60 and older were scammed out of $3.4 billion.
If you think you are a victim of internet crime contact your local FBI office.