FBI report: Hawaii victims have lost over 55 million dollars against Internet crimes

Online crime costed 55,180,901 US dollars of 55,180,901 US dollars last year. Kupuna at the age of 60 and about the loss of more than 18 million US dollars.

Hawaii generated 2,603 ​​online fraud complaints last year that were bound to US dollar losses. Cryptocurrency investors in Hawaii submitted 709 complaints and lost crypto worth 24,893,821.

Kupuna in Hawaii Überag last year 647 complaints and lost $ 18,851,052. This is an increase compared to 453 complaints submitted by the residents of Hawaii at the age of 60 and 2023. The 453 complaints in 2023 corresponded to $ 27,965,497.

The losses of the last year by victims of Hawaii fraud are a strong increase compared to 2021 when the locals lost 17.2 million US dollars against online crimes.

The incumbent US lawyer Kenneth M. Sorenson told The Honolulu Star-Advertizer that the Internet enables enormous convenience in financial transactions, paying invoices, purchase of goods and services and moving funds.

“At the same time, it can offer a dangerous and convenient path directly and from your bank account for a world full of ultra-optimized fraudsters and fraudsters. These fraudsters can be remarkably ingenious and convincing. Whether you are contacted by the protection of viruses), you have hundreds of ways to convince you to send you your money,” said Sorenson.

Online fraudsters need the help and approval of the victims. Victims who have almost always been cheated have sent or handed over their money to the fraudster.

“A good general rule: do not send any money to someone who contacts you by phone, text or computer (including social media) if you have not met you personally for at least six months,” said Sorenson. “Criminals often give urgency and/or authority to convey fear and fear. Remember that this is a warning flag if someone contacts them. After this council, a major percentage of fraud crimes on internet base prevent Sorenson.

Nationwide, federal civil servants listed a new record for losses that were reported to the FBI Internet Crime Center and, according to the report, was an “amazing” 16.6 billion US dollar of $ 16.6 billion.

The majority of the reported losses in 2024 were fraud, and ransomware was again the most ubiquitous threat to the critical infrastructure, with the symptoms increased by 9% compared to 2023.

Seniors over the age of 60 suffered most of the losses and submitted most of the symptoms.

Phishing/Spoofing attacks last year were the most common forms of online fraud with 193,407 complaints that were registered by the FBI nationwide.

This was followed by 86,415 blackmail complaints, 64,882 violations of personal data, 49,572 complaints about non -payment/ non -delivery and 47,919 fake investment fraud.

Phishing and spoofing are used by the use of unwanted e -mails, text messages and telephone calls, which is said to require a legitimate company that requests personal, financial and/or registration information.

Online training complaints are the “illegal extraction of money or property through intimidation or inappropriate exercise of authority”.

The threats can include physical damage, criminal persecution or public exposure.

Sorenson warned not to invest money in companies or people, “they don't know, period”.

Investors should be aware of “affinity fraud” in which fraudsters use the names or identities of people or companies with whom their victims strengthen their credibility.

“If you want to invest, look for licensed and trustworthy financial advisors who choose, not a random person who contacts you on the Internet or by phone,” said Sorenson. “The old saying” If it sounds too good to be true, it is “rings true” here.

David Porter, the responsible Special Agent of FBI Honolulu, told the star assignor that investment fraud, in particular cryptocurrency fraud, “continues to grow when criminals contest our older community and dismiss them from their savings”.

“The FBI Honolulu continues to build our community in order to recognize the red flags of investment fraud and take measures to avoid being victim,” said Porter. “If you or someone you know are a victim of an investment fraud, also report it if you are not sure. Every detail, no matter how small, helps us to disturb these systems, to confiscate stolen means and to put these criminals in court.”

In April 2024, the judiciary of the Hawaii judiciary warned of fraudsters who, as police officers, sheriffs and judicial workers, have had the persons who were granted claims on the assertion of creeds, due to missing jury obligation.

The judicial officers warned that if they receive this call regarding an “arrest warrant for non -compliance with the jury obligation, without answering questions or pressing any numbers that they may ask for pressing.”

The potential frauds also use emails, said the judicial officers.

B. Chad Yarbrough, Operations Director for Criminal and Cyber ​​at the FBI, said in a explanation that “a new record for losses to IC3 was reported” last year with fraud, which again rose from 2023. “.

The increasing losses are “even more worrying” because the FBI took “important measures” last year to prevent online crimes. FBI agents have a heavy blow, one of the most active ransomware groups in the world.

Since 2022 we have offered thousands of decryption keys since 2022 and avoided more payments of over 800 million US dollars, said Yarbrough. Hundreds of other aft.

“While the top threats for our country have certainly shifted over the decades, the protection of American citizens – whether this remains their security, money or their data – a cornerstone of the FBI mission,” said Yarbrough. “Without the information you report to us via IC3 or your local FBI field office, we can simply not put together the mystery of this constantly changing threat landscape. If you ever suspect that you are a victim of cyber-capable crimes, do not hesitate to let us know. We would like to be and what you report, help us others.”

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Online fraud

If you believe that you are a victim of online fraud, the FBI calls you on:

>> Tell your bank or financial institution immediately.

>> Report on the incident with the law enforcement authorities.

>> Submit a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Center at IC3.Gov.

>> If Kupuna has no access to the Internet, call the National Elder fraud hotline under 833-woman-11 (833–372-8311), which is available to support the submission of a report.