The tide of cybercrime is swelling, and Georgia is feeling the surge. A recent FBI report flagged an alarming increase in cybercrime both within the state and across the country. In 2024, Georgia stood at the 11th position for internet-related complaints, climbing two spots from the previous year, and its citizens witnessed a spike in potential financial losses to the tune of $420 million—a 40% increase from 2023.
Nationwide, the situation paints a grim picture as well. According to Savannah Now, the number of reported cybercrime incidents escalated to 859,532 in 2024, with total losses- a staggering $16.6 billion—up 33% from the year prior. In Georgia, the starkest spike in cybercrime was seen around cryptocurrency, where reports rocketed by 122% and estimated losses burgeoned by a concerning 66% compared to 2023 figures.
During a press conference, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr acknowledged the smarts of criminals and the perpetual evolution of technology, as FOX 5 Atlanta reported. “Criminals are increasingly using the internet to victimize individuals and businesses here in Georgia, as well as hijacking networks, crippling critical infrastructure, and robbing virtual exchanges,” Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, Paul Brown, added in the same briefing.
The FBI’s report also spotlights the vulnerability of elderly Georgians. According to Savannah Now, internet crime complaints by adults aged 60 and older skyrocketed by 71% last year, and the attendant losses went up by 89%. Phishing, extortion, and personal data breaches rounded out the top three cybercrimes by complaint volume, while the financial damages suffered from cryptocurrency scams outstripped all other cybercrime categories. GBI Director Chris Hosey urged the importance of public education and the need to not hesitate in reporting potential scams, emphasizing that targeted fraud education could help safeguard the most at-risk communities.
In the face of these daunting numbers, law enforcement agencies stress the importance of awareness and quick action. “The sooner someone reports having been potentially scammed, the better chances authorities will have to keep their money from being stolen,” Brown told FOX 5 Atlanta.
