September 11, 2024

“In today's digital world, online scams are countless, so the FBI encourages you to remain vigilant whenever you're banking, shopping, or looking for a relationship online,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.

Tips for Avoiding Scams  

If you have fallen victim to a cyber fraud scheme, such as a BEC or romance scam, file a report with the appropriate financial provider, your local law enforcement agency, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.IC3.gov. 

For more information about online scams and how to protect yourself, visit www.ic3.gov and the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division website. 

The Consumer Protection Division also offers a number of resources specific to older adults and small business owners:

• Cybersecurity in Georgia: A Guide for Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Places of Worship is designed to help organizations raise awareness and understanding of cyber threats and common industry best practices. This comprehensive guide includes tips and information on protecting your data and network, training employees about cybersecurity, planning for and responding to a security breach, cyber insurance and more. Please see attached file (Cybersecurity in Georgia). 
• The Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults provides information on an array of topics of importance to seniors, including scams, identity theft, credit and debt, reverse mortgages, charitable giving, home repairs, funerals, advance directives, long-term care, elder abuse and more.  Please see attached files (GA Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults - available in English, Spanish, and Korean). 

The Attorney General’s White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit is housed in the Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his Gang Prosecution Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.