The Modern Threat Landscape
It's not just a consumer problem. Scams are a multi-billion dollar industry targeting everyone from families to small businesses. Understand the threats to stay protected.
The Scale of the Crisis
These aren't just numbers - they represent real businesses and families losing money to criminals.
For Businesses: The $137,000 Mistake
Business Email Compromise (BEC) is the most financially damaging online crime. The average successful attack costs a business over $137,000.
For Everyone: The Rise of Imposter & Investment Scams
Imposter scams, where criminals pretend to be from legitimate businesses, the government, or even romantic interests, cost consumers $2.7 billion annually.
Who's Losing What: The Real Cost by Victim Group
2023-2024 data reveals the staggering financial impact across different sectors
💼 Business Losses (Including Small Businesses)
2024 Update: BEC attacks now average $137,132 per successful incident. Phishing remains the #1 threat vector, initiating 90% of data breaches worldwide.
Sources: Abnormal AI, Leverage Technologies 2024
👵 Senior Citizen Losses (Age 60+)
2024 Alert: FBI warns of dramatic increase in tech support and investment scams targeting seniors. Recent case: California scammer sentenced for stealing $10M+ from elderly victims.
Sources: FBI Public Service Announcements 2024, DOJ Press Release Jan 2024
👥 General Public Losses (All Ages)
2024 Q1 Update: Consumers already lost $2.72B in Q1 2024 alone. Social media scams reached $1.4B in 2023 and continue rising in 2024.
Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Q1 2024
🏥 Healthcare Sector Losses
2024 Update: Healthcare breach costs increased to $11.2M per incident. Phishing emails compromising employee credentials remain the primary entry point.
Sources: IBM 2024 Report, Verizon DBIR 2024
The Big six: Most Dangerous Scams
These six scam types account for billions in losses. Learn how they work and how to spot them.
Investment Scams
Fake investment opportunities, cryptocurrency schemes, and "guaranteed returns" that steal life savings.
Government Imposters
Fake IRS agents, Social Security officials, or Medicare representatives demanding immediate payment.
Romance Scams
Fake romantic partners on dating sites or social media who build trust before asking for money.
Tech Support Scams
Fake Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus support claiming your computer has a virus and needs fixing.
Business Email Compromise
Sophisticated attacks on businesses through compromised vendor emails and CEO fraud schemes.
Phishing Attacks
Deceptive emails and texts that trick you into revealing passwords, account numbers, or personal data.
Universal Warning Signs
No matter the scam type, these red flags should make you stop and think.
Immediate Action Required
- • "You must act now or lose this opportunity"
- • "Your account will be closed today"
- • "This is your final notice"
- • High-pressure tactics and urgency
Unusual Payment Methods
- • Gift cards (iTunes, Google Play, Amazon)
- • Wire transfers or money orders
- • Cryptocurrency purchases
- • Cash pickup services
Secrecy and Isolation
- • "Don't tell anyone about this"
- • "Your family wouldn't understand"
- • Asking you to lie to bank tellers
- • Isolating you from trusted advisors
Too Good to Be True
- • Guaranteed high returns with no risk
- • Free prizes that require payment
- • Exclusive "insider" opportunities
- • Someone offering to solve all your problems
How to Fight Back
You have the power to protect yourself and others. Here's your action plan.
Stop
Never give personal information to unsolicited contacts. Hang up. Delete the email. Walk away.
Think
Legitimate organizations don't create urgency or demand specific payment methods. Take time to verify.
Verify
Call the organization directly using official numbers. Talk to trusted family or friends.
Report Scams Immediately
National Resources
Business Resources
Don't Become Another Statistic
Join our community-driven approach to fighting scams. Stay informed with real-time threat intelligence.