While cybercrime is rising across the country, the numbers in Georgia are especially alarming. We’ll break down what’s happening across the state, how it’s costing Georgians hundreds of millions of dollars, and what steps you can take to protect your assets as we sit down and sync up with Rocket IT’s weekly technology update.

In this episode, you’ll hear more about:

• Why cybercrime is rising sharply across Georgia.
• The FBI’s report of major financial losses statewide.
• Why Georgia’s cybercrime ranking is climbing fast.
• New scams that are harder to recognize.

Video Transcript

The FBI’s newly released 2024 Internet Crime Report shows just how serious digital theft has become. Nationwide, over 850,000 complaints of cybercrime were filed last year, with reported losses topping $16.6 billion, a 33% increase compared to 2023.

But in Georgia, the impact is even sharper. Georgians reported more than $420 million in potential losses in 2024, a 40 percent increase year over year. And in terms of activity, Georgia jumped two spots, now ranking 11th in the nation for the number of internet crime complaints filed. And while these numbers look big on a report, they real losses they represent feel even larger for Georgia residents and businesses.

The most common crimes? Phishing attacks, crypto extortion schemes, and personal data breaches. In many cases, the attacks start simple. You might get an email that looks like it’s from your bank, warning you about suspicious activity. Or maybe it’s a message from a supposed coworker, asking you to quickly pay an invoice or send login details. These scams rely on urgency and trust, trying to make you act fast before you spot the signs that something isn’t right.

In some of the costliest cases reported in Georgia, criminals even spent weeks or months building fake relationships through social media or dating sites. After gaining someone’s trust, they would pitch a so-called investment opportunity in cryptocurrency, promising high returns and quick profits, only for the victim to lose everything once the money was transferred.

What’s even more dangerous is how polished and convincing these scams have become. Professional-looking websites, spoofed email addresses, and fake customer support numbers are all part of the setup.

And although one of the hardest-hit groups in Georgia has been seniors, no one is off-limits. If you use email, social media, or online banking, you could be a target, and that makes awareness your first line of defense.

The FBI urges everyone to stay alert. Slow down when you receive unexpected requests. Verify links and sender information before clicking. Keep your devices updated and secure. Use strong, unique passwords, and whenever possible, enable multi-factor authentication. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts, it’s better to be cautious than to become a victim.

This surge in cybercrime isn’t just a personal threat, it’s a growing concern for businesses across Georgia too. All it takes is one employee falling for a phishing email or one compromised password to open the door to costly breaches, data loss, and major disruptions. Rocket IT, helps Georgia businesses build stronger defenses, train teams to recognize scams early, and create cybersecurity strategies designed for today’s evolving threats. If you’re ready to stay protected and keep your organization ahead of the curve, contact Rocket IT using the link in this video’s description. And to stay up to date on trending technology news, hit that subscribe button and the bell to catch us on next week’s episode of Sync Up with Rocket IT.