Cybercrime is increasing in Georgia and the U. S. Georgia moved from 13th to 11th place in internet-related complaints last year, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report 2024. Potential losses reached $420 million, a 40% rise from 2023.

Nationally, internet crime complaints rose to 859,532 in 2024, with losses exceeding $16. 6 billion, a 33% increase from the prior year. The most common cybercrimes reported were phishing/spoofing, extortion, and personal data breaches, with cryptocurrency-related losses being the highest.

Paul Brown from the Atlanta FBI noted that the main goal of cyber criminals is to steal money. Elderly Georgians are especially at risk, with complaints from adults 60 and over rising by 71% last year.

Those affected by cybercrime should contact local law enforcement or the Georgia Cyber Crime Center at 706-941-5400.