California Leads the Nation in Cybercrime Losses
While the Internet and high-end technology have made life easier in many ways, they have also given criminals new ways to target unsuspecting individuals. California is the top target in the United States for cybercriminals, costing Californians over $2.5 billion in losses. In some cases, these scams are the result of poor management of client information and a lack of safety protocols—and when that is the case, it’s important to talk to a consumer privacy attorney in California about your next steps.
At the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates, we understand that companies have an obligation to their consumers. When they mishandle consumers’ information or fail to protect them from scams, they must be held accountable. Our team of consumer privacy lawyers is led by Robin D. Perry, Esq., who has spent decades advocating for clients in a wide range of legal matters. Our team’s breadth of experience and knowledge makes us the natural choice for those facing legal problems. Schedule a consultation with our consumer privacy law firm now by calling 562-216-2944.
The Scope of the Problem
The report published by the Internet Crime Complaint Center shows some troubling statistics. To start, cybercrime is on the rise, jumping 33% between 2023 and 2024. Seniors are the most heavily affected group, accounting for over $800 million lost and submitting the greatest number of complaints to the IC3.
The term “cybercrime” covers a variety of crimes that lean heavily on the speed and anonymity provided by the Internet. When people think of these scams, they tend to think of big banks and corporations that can shoulder losses of millions of dollars. In reality, individuals and families are the ones who lose the most.
Cryptocurrency Fraud: Modern Scams, Old Tricks
Consumer privacy attorneys have seen many scams that lean on the popularity of cryptocurrency. These hustles often begin on social media or dating apps. The scammer finds a kind-looking and overly trusting individual, worms their way into their heart via friendship or romance, and then starts talking about their “guaranteed” crypto opportunities. Victims are often directed to fake trading sites where their deposits are funneled directly into scammers’ bank accounts. Once the scammers have gotten their money, the site disappears, and so does the victim’s new “friend.” Red flags include promises of risk-free returns, pressure to transfer funds quickly, and online friendships or relationships that seem too good to be true or escalate too quickly.
Sextortion and Extortion
Extortion scams are a huge problem in California and other states, alarming consumer privacy lawyers. Sextortion is perhaps the most common, because scammers know that those caught up in these scams will likely be too embarrassed to seek help. Scammers threaten to release private photos, data, or accusations if the victim doesn’t pay up. The photos and data may actually exist or not; in some cases, the victim is persuaded to send compromising photos, which are then used to extort money out of them. In others, the scammer claims to have these photos or videos thanks to spyware on the victim’s computer. In these cases, the alleged footage rarely actually exists.
It is crucial that victims report these scams to IC3 and local law enforcement. It may feel embarrassing, but these scams are far more common than you know. Bringing light to them makes it harder for scammers to keep getting away with it.
Phishing and Tech Support Scams
Phishing has been around since the start of the Internet, and it remains a functional and efficient form of cybercrime. Scammers spoof emails or tests from trusted companies, urging recipients to click a link and log in, confirm transactions, or download new software to access the company’s site. By the time the victim realizes they’ve been scammed, their passwords have been changed and their funds are long gone.
Tech support scams are similar. Victims receive pop-up notices or phone calls regarding an infection on their computer—an infection that doesn’t actually exist. They’re told that they can clear the infection by calling a support line. The scammer then gains remote access to their computer and drains their bank accounts or gets their login information to access later.
These scams cannot continue to affect new victims if current victims report their experiences and speak out. We can help protect innocent Californians from criminals.
Was Your Information Leaked? Let Our Consumer Privacy Attorneys Talk About Your Next Steps!
At our consumer privacy law firm, we help victims like you hold companies accountable when their safety failures expose your information to scammers. Call us at 562-216-2944 or contact us online to schedule your consultation now.
Attorney Robin D. Perry has been part of the Long Beach Community for over 25 years handling business litigation, employment litigation and advising, criminal defense, personal injury and code enforcement defense for businesses.
