FBI Press Release
This month, the FBI announced the launch of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the frauds and scams impacting the public and encourage reporting to law enforcement. Throughout this campaign, the FBI is sharing information with the public to highlight different types of fraud and scams, tips for identifying them and preventing losses, and how victims can report to protect others.
One of the most common tactics scammers employ is a false sense of urgency or isolation. They may try to instill trust, induce empathy or fear, or promise monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities – all to lure victims into immediate action. For this reason, the FBI’s awareness campaign urges the public to “Take A Beat”: resist pressure to act quickly, pause for a moment, and assess the situation.
According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, there have already been $1.6 billion in losses from January to May of 2024, which is nearly $300 million more from the same time last year.
“Anyone can become a victim of fraud” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. “It’s critical to talk to parents, grandparents, children, and other loved ones about fraud and how to identify the warning signs of a scam. Fraudsters often purposefully make victims feel isolated. Forming communities of support can help get individuals to the reporting tools and support services they need.”
While fraud can happen to anyone, there are small steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your information:
▪ Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.
▪ Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers. ▪ Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
▪ Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local FBI office or submit a complaint on IC3.gov. You should document the name of the scammer/company
and methods of contact, dates of contact, methods of payment, where funds may have been sent, and a thorough description of the interactions.
For more information on the common frauds and scams the FBI encounters, visit: www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams To view the latest stats and trends, visit www.ic3.gov.