COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center released its annual 2023 Internet Crime Report and accompanying state reports this week, which shows South Carolinians reported nearly $120 million in losses to internet crimes last year.
The new report shows a more than $19 million increase in reported losses from the previous year. Seniors, those 60 and older, accounted for the costliest reported losses with $43.7 million stolen from them.
South Carolinians provided 9,736 reports to the center, called IC3, which is an increase from 7,861 in 2022. The IC3 received a total of 3.26 million complaints nationwide in 2023. The full report, which encompasses data from victims in each state, American Territory, and the District of Columbia, shows $10.2 billion in total losses.
The top five schemes with the largest dollar amount losses in South Carolina were investment fraud ($42.5), business email compromise ($30.6 million), confidence and romance scams ($11.3 million), tech support ($9.9 million), and personal data breaches fraud ($4.2 million).
“This report makes it clear that criminals continue to threaten the livelihood of South Carolinians with their various financial crimes,” said Steve Jensen, special agent in charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI Columbia Field Office is committed to leveraging our resources to investigate and prosecute scammers, working to return stolen funds back to victims, and sharing information to help South Carolinians better protect themselves.”
The FBI encourages people to file a complaint with the IC3 if they believe they have fallen victim to an internet crime.
To see the report in its entirety, along with the state reports, visit www.ic3.gov.
Posted by: Byron King on 03/11/24 (This information is only accurate as of 03/11/24. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 03/11/24 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)
This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.