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FBI Report Reveals Scammers Stole Over $16 billion in 2024
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States published its latest Internet Crime Report this Wednesday. The document, which includes data from 2024, revealed that scammers stole around $16.6 billion that year and noted that online crimes increased by 33% compared to 2023.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- The FBI published its latest Internet Crime Report this Wednesday.
- IC3 revealed Americans lost over $16.6 billion to malicious actors in 2024
- Online crimes increased 33% compared to 2023, and people over 60 have been the most affected.
According to the report , the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) receives, on average, over 2,000 complaints every day from different age groups and locations—including international complaints. The agency warned about increasing cases of scams, reported losses, cryptocurrency fraud, and crimes targeting older adults
“As nearly all aspects of our lives have become digitally connected, the attack surface for cyber actors has grown exponentially,” wrote B. Chad Yarbrough, Operations Director for Criminal and Cyber at the FBI. “Last year saw a new record for losses reported to IC3, totaling a staggering $16.6 billion. Fraud represented the bulk of reported losses in 2024, and ransomware was again the most pervasive threat to critical infrastructure, with complaints rising 9% from 2023.”
The agent also noted that people over 60 years old were the most affected by scams. Older adults lost around $4.8 billion in 2024. Other age groups, like the ones between 40 and 49, and 50 and 59 lost over $2.2 billion. Younger generations shared more complaints with the FBI but also lost money.
“These rising losses are even more concerning because last year, the FBI took significant actions to make it harder, and more costly, for malicious actors to succeed,” wrote Yarbrough. “We dealt a serious blow to LockBit, one of the world’s most active ransomware groups.”
The most reported threats received by the IC3 were data breaches and ransomware, reaching over 4,800. The most reported variants of ransomware were Akira, Lockbit, RansomHub, FOG, and PLAY.
Last year, in June, the FBI retrieved more than 7,000 decryption keys from the LockBit ransomware group, and succeeded at other missions. A few days ago, the agency announced they arrested dark web launderer ElonmuskWHM during a long money-laundering operation.
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Trump Signs Executive Order To Bring AI into K-12 Schools
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
President Donald Trump is signing a new executive order today to bring artificial intelligence into classrooms across the U.S.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Trump signs executive order to promote AI in K-12 schools.
- New task force will oversee AI classroom integration efforts.
- Federal grants will prioritize AI teacher training and student programs.
According to USA Today , the order requires the Departments of Education and Labor to promote AI learning in K-12 schools by funding teacher training, creating certification programs for high school students, and expanding apprenticeships in AI-related jobs. It also encourages states to offer more AI courses and supports research into how AI can be used in education.
The Washington Post previously reported that a new White House Task Force on AI Education will be created, chaired by Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer will join the task force. They will help develop partnerships with tech companies and schools to provide AI resources and launch a “Presidential AI Challenge” to encourage student innovation.
AI is “driving innovation across industries, enhancing productivity, and reshaping the way we live and work,” the draft order said, as reported by USA Today.
Both political parties agree on the importance of teaching AI skills, especially to stay competitive with countries like China. A bipartisan report from December 2024 stated, “K-12 educators need resources to promote AI literacy,” but also warned that its use must respect labor and anti discrimination laws, as reported by USA Today.
Despite shared interest, there’s division over federal involvement. “AI will likely revolutionize the way students learn, but the federal government doesn’t need to be involved,” a Republican summary of a recent committee hearing stated, as reported by USA Today
The initiative follows Trump’s recent signing of another order to dismantle the Education Department, which still exists but now operates with half its staff. A court hearing is scheduled for April 25 regarding lawsuits over these cuts, as reported by USA Today.
Education Secretary McMahon, who recently confused “AI” with “A.1. sauce” during a speech, will play a key role in overseeing the new programs, as noted by USA Today.
Alongside the U.S. initiative, China is also investing heavily in AI education at the university level . Top institutions such as Peking University, Renmin University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have announced expanded undergraduate programs focused on artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
China aims to lead globally in AI by 2035, with new undergraduate spots for AI education and nationwide school programs starting from age six. Initiatives like AI self-study rooms and smart tablets are reshaping how students learn, offering affordable, tech-driven alternatives to traditional tutoring.
This academic shift highlights how global powers are racing to build a future workforce rooted in AI.
