U.S. Cybercrime Losses Top $16 Billion in 2024, Seniors Most at Risk

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released its latest Internet Crime Report, documenting a surge in cybercrime that cost Americans over $16 billion in 2024 — a dramatic 33% increase from the previous year¹. With over 850,000 reports submitted, this year’s data underscores how digital threats are scaling across every demographic, business sector, and region.

Cybercrime Is Growing — and Getting Smarter

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the top three internet-enabled crimes by number of complaints in 2024 were:

• Phishing and Spoofing – Fraudulent messages designed to steal sensitive information¹.
• Personal Data Breaches – Unauthorized access to personal, financial, or medical data¹.
• Extortion – Cybercriminals demanding ransom or threatening exposure¹.

These threats are no longer limited to sophisticated hackers. Many attacks now exploit common user behavior, social engineering, and outdated digital defenses — making them a top concern for individuals and institutions alike.

Seniors Are Losing the Most

People aged 60 and older reported the highest number of cybercrime complaints and lost more than $3.4 billion nationwide in 2024 alone¹. This demographic often faces challenges in identifying fraudulent messages or navigating recovery processes — a troubling reality that demands more accessible prevention education and reporting tools.

The Role of the IC3

Since its founding in 2000, the IC3 has served as the FBI’s digital front door for reporting cybercrime. With over 9 million total complaints logged to date, the IC3 aggregates nationwide data to detect patterns, assist investigations, and share threat intelligence with law enforcement and industry partners¹.

The FBI emphasizes that public participation is crucial: the more comprehensive and timely the reports submitted to ic3.gov, the more effective the bureau can be in tracking trends and intervening early.

Action Steps: What You Should Do Now

The FBI recommends that individuals and organizations take the following steps if they are targeted by an internet-enabled crime:

• Report immediately to IC3.
• Notify your financial institutions involved in any transactions.
• Contact your nearest FBI field office and local law enforcement.
• Stay up to date by reviewing IC3 alerts.

Cybercrime in Healthcare: A Growing Safety Risk

The rise in cybercrime isn’t just a tech issue — it’s a public health threat. A 2023 study found that 68% of U.S. healthcare organizations experienced at least one significant cyberattack, with many reporting operational disruption, patient safety risks, and extended downtimes². These digital threats compromise both privacy and care continuity.

As more providers adopt remote monitoring, EHR-integrated platforms, and patient-facing apps, cybercrime preparedness must become part of clinical safety planning — not just an IT afterthought.