KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — According to a report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee residents lost more than $160 million to internet scammers in 2023.
The report highlights vulnerabilities and emphasizes the imperative of heightened cybersecurity measures in the state.
In 2023, Tennessee ranked 31 in the country, with residents submitting 8,484 complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), reporting losses amounting to $161,195,036.
"We've noticed a steady stream of cybercrime here in Tennessee," Joseph Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office, said. "This means we all need to be extra careful and take action to stay safe online. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new tricks to scam people, whether you're a regular person or a big company. So, it's really important for everyone in Tennessee to pay attention and make sure we're protecting ourselves online."
Tech support scams, investment fraud and business email compromise appear as the leading categories for losses in the state. The report highlights the heightened risk faced by people over 60 years old, who are most susceptible to falling victim to cyber scams.
In 2023, the IC3 recorded 880,418 complaints nationwide, indicating an increase in cybercrime activities. The total losses acquired from these incidents exceeded $12.5 billion, underscoring the severity of the cyber threat landscape, according to the report.
This figure represents a significant increase compared to the average number of complaints received over the past five years. The report said California, Texas, Florida, New York and Ohio reported the highest number of victims, while California, Texas and Florida also topped the list in terms of financial losses.
"Protecting yourself online is crucial," Jason Jarnagin, supervisory special agent leading the FBI’s cybercrime squad in Knoxville, said. "Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for your accounts, and be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails from unfamiliar sources. Keep your computer's software up to date and consider using antivirus software. And most importantly, if something seems suspicious or too good to be true, trust your gut and double-check before sharing personal information or sending money."
If your business is the victim of a cyber attack, contact your local FBI office immediately for assistance.
