The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has released its annual report. The 2020 Internet Crime Report includes information from 791,790 complaints of suspected internet crime—an increase of more than 300,000 complaints from 2019—and reported losses exceeding $4.2 billion.
Topping the list of types of reported internet crimes was phishing, which more than doubled last year. People over 60 were the most common victims according to the report. Nevada had the 8th most complaints of the states and territories included in the report – yet it is the 32nd most populous.
The phishing category also includes vishing, smishing and pharming – all techniques via email, voicemail, text messaging or via fraudulent websites that attempt to trick victims into divulging personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers.
People over 60 were the most common victim – likely due to the age group growing up in a more trusting society and their less understanding of technology.
Perhaps most surprising is that Nevadans reported the most complaints per thousand people than any other state.
In summary, now is the time to become educated on how to spot internet crimes so that you or someone you know doesn’t become the next victim.