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The Rocky Mountain area is ranking among the top 10 in money lost due to internet crimes in 2020, according to a report from the FBI.

Rocky Mountain and Various Internet Crimes

Internet-enabled fraud includes phishing, spoofing, extortion, and various types to target their victims. Medical workers searching for personal protective equipment says the FBI. The families are looking for information about stimulus checks to help pay bills. It also includes others impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which were targeted.

The record number of complaints in 2020 was 791,790 in all. This is what the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported. There is a 69% increase from 2019. There were reported losses last year that did exceed $4.1 billion.

Victims of Cybercrime

In Colorado, the extortion did count for several victims of cybercrime in Colorado. However, the business email compromise (BEC) schemes did set Coloradans back at the most. They did total $48,491,996 in 2020. At approximately $1.8 billion the BEC schemes were the costliest nationwide. This was the adjusted loss.

Over 60 was the age group that suffered the most in Colorado. They were over 60. In fact, most of the victims over 60, however, did lose the most amount of money in 2020. It was nearly $21 million.

In fact, people over 60 who are successfully victimized which is the FBI details. It is often done continuously by perpetrators.

Over the age of 60 which are the victims. They may encounter scams including advance fee schemes, investment fraud schemes, romance scams, tech support scams, and grandparent scams. Also, it features government impersonation scams, sweepstakes/charity/lottery scams, home repair scams, TV/radio scams, and family/caregiver scams,” the FBI details.

National Cybersecurity Center

There are seven tips for a cyber-safe holiday shopping season and the National Cybersecurity Center.

1. There is only use direct, well-known URLs for the business. If you’re not sure, double-check.
2. Therefore, use caution before you click on links, and then always be careful opening attachments.
3. Watch for the fake package tracking emails, fake “offers” from big brands and fake credit card confirmation requests.
4. Thus ensure that all of your devices do have up-to-date anti-virus/anti-malware software.
5. Also, keep your passwords up to date and complex. Moreover, uise multi-factor authentication wherever it is possible.
6. There also most banks and store credit cards which offer text alerts for any suspicious activity.
7. Moreover, it is important to avoid unknown public WiFi hotspots.