The Scam Epidemic — By The Numbers

Every day, scammers steal an estimated $2.8 billion from people around the world. VerifyBefore gives you a second opinion — before you sign, pay, or share.

Key statistics

Nearly $5B

Reported losses by adults 60+ in 2024

The FBI says people over 60 reported nearly $5 billion in losses to internet crime in 2024.

147,000+

Reports from adults 60+ in 2024

That only includes cases reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

$1T+

Estimated global scam losses

GASA and Feedzai estimated more than $1 trillion in global scam losses in one year.

Many cases are never reported

People often feel embarrassed or unsure where to report. Being tricked by a professional scammer is not your fault.

Who do scammers go after?

👴

People over 50

Scammers often target older adults because they may have savings, retirement funds, home equity, or years of hard-earned trust built up.

❤️

People who care and want to help

Scammers are friendly first. They build trust, create urgency, and make the request feel personal.

💰

People with savings

Scammers look for people who have worked hard their whole lives and may have something valuable to protect.

How does it happen?

📞

The Fake Medicare Call

Someone calls pretending to be from Medicare. They say your benefits are about to stop. They say they need your information to fix it — but the call may not be real.

😢

The Grandchild in Trouble

A voice on the phone says: "Grandma, it's me. I'm in trouble." They pretend to be your grandchild. They beg you to send money right away and keep it secret.

💻

The Computer Warning

A scary message pops up on your screen. It says your computer has a virus. It tells you to call a number — but that number may connect you to the scammer.

📄

The Fake Document

Someone sends you papers that look official. They ask you to sign, edit, submit, or send money. The document may not be what it appears to be.

Want to learn about common scams?

Browse our scam prevention guides to learn how fake invoices, refund scams, suspicious emails, wire transfer requests, fake bank messages, and other common scams usually work — before you sign, pay, or respond.

Browse Scam Prevention Guides →

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