Law enforcement takes this kind of crime seriously, and we in the FBI work cyber investigations with our partners, including the U.S. Secret Service and investigative agencies within the Department of Defense. But what can you do to make sure you don’t end up a victim in one of our cases?
- Keep in mind that most companies, banks, agencies, etc., don’t request personal information via e-mail. If in doubt, give them a call (but don’t use the phone number contained in the e-mail—that’s usually phony as well).
- Use a phishing filter…many of the latest web browsers have them built in or offer them as plug-ins.
- Never follow a link to a secure site from an e-mail—always enter the URL manually.
- Don’t be fooled (especially today) by the latest scams. Visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and “LooksTooGoodToBeTrue” websites for tips and informatio
Categories: Internet Scams via E-mail
Press Release
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2009
Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
FBI/National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) Release
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), today released the 2008 Annual Report on the number of Internet crime complaints received.
A total of 275,284 complaints were received in 2008—up from 206,884 (33 percent) over 2007. Total dollar loss reported in 2008 was $265 million—up from $239 million in 2007. The average individual loss was $931. The chart below shows the number of complaints received and dollar loss totals for the past five years:
YEAR COMPLAINTS RECEIVED DOLLAR LOSS
2008 275,284 $265 million
2007 206,884 $239.09 million
2006 207,492 $198.44 million
2005 231,493 $183.12 million
2004 207,449 $68.14 million
The report details information related to the volume and scope of complaints, complainant and perpetrator characteristics, geographical data, most frequently reported scams, and results of IC3 referrals.
FBI Cyber Division Assistant Director Shawn Henry said, “This report illustrates that sophisticated computer fraud schemes continue to flourish as financial data migrates to the Internet. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance on the part of law enforcement, businesses, and the home computer user to be aware of these schemes and employ sound security procedures.”
The report is posted in its entirety at the National White Collar Crime Center (PDF)
Categories: Internet Scams via E-mail
