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Tennessee Residents Lost Over $160 Million to Internet Scams in 2023, FBI Report Reveals

Issue #025

13 Mar

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

📆 Mega List of Upcoming Events!

☀️ Columbia Weather - Clear with a high of 76

📰 Tennessee Residents Lost Over $160 Million to Internet Scams in 2023, FBI Report Reveals 

🎶 This Weekend’s Live Music Lineup!

📰 Spring Hill Police Use Global Connections to Solve Scam Case

🛍 Children’s Treasure 4-Day Pop Up Sale

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Upcoming Local Events

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Tennessee Residents Lost Over $160 Million to Internet Scams in 2023, FBI Report Reveals

Code on computer monitor

A recent report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation reveals that Tennessee residents fell victim to Internet scams amounting to over $160 million last year. This stark revelation underscores the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures statewide.

Tennessee ranked 31st in the nation for reported cybercrime incidents in 2023, with 8,484 complaints filed to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These complaints documented losses totaling $161,195,036, highlighting the significant financial toll cybercrime takes on individuals and businesses across the state.

Joseph Carrico, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Knoxville Field Office, emphasized the pervasive nature of cybercrime in Tennessee and urged residents to remain vigilant online. He stressed the importance of staying informed and taking proactive steps to safeguard personal and corporate information from cyber threats.

Among the leading categories for financial losses in Tennessee were tech support scams, investment fraud, and business email compromise (BEC) schemes. Of particular concern is the vulnerability of individuals over 60, who are disproportionately targeted by cybercriminals.

Nationwide, the IC3 received a staggering 880,418 complaints in 2023, signaling a sharp increase in cybercrime activity across the country. The cumulative losses exceeded $12.5 billion, indicating the severity of the cyber threat landscape.

To mitigate these risks, Jason Jarnagin, a supervisory special agent leading the FBI's cybercrime squad in Knoxville, advised individuals to adopt strong password practices, exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar emails or links, and keep their software up to date. He also emphasized the importance of trusting one's instincts and verifying the legitimacy of online communications before sharing sensitive information or making financial transactions.

The FBI remains committed to collaborating with local law enforcement agencies and community partners to combat cyber threats and protect Tennesseans from online scams. Businesses affected by cyber attacks are encouraged to contact their local FBI office promptly for assistance.

This Weekend’s Live Music Lineup!

Spring Hill Police Use Global Connections to Solve Scam Case

An alleged scam artist sought by the Spring Hill Police Department found herself in the spotlight thanks to a vigilant WKRN News 2 viewer from England.

In August 2023, News 2 ran a local story detailing an alleged quick change scam at a Spring Hill Walmart, where the perpetrator perplexed a cashier and made off with over $1,000. While the story initially aired locally, it caught the attention of a police officer in England who recognized the suspect and promptly contacted the Spring Hill police.

The email from the English officer, dated Aug. 9, 2023, revealed their role in the investigation: “I’m an intelligence analyst for Northumbria Police in England. I have just seen a media release regarding a female quick change scammer hitting multiple stores in Spring Hill.”

Included in the correspondence was a mug shot of the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Ica Frigur, a Romanian national.

With this newfound identity, police swiftly uncovered Frigur’s extensive arrest history spanning several states across the U.S. Detectives informed News 2 that prior to her activities in Spring Hill, Frigur allegedly executed similar scams at various big box stores throughout Kentucky.

According to Capt. Justin Whitwell, Frigur reportedly engaged in similar criminal activities in Europe before arriving in the U.S. He emphasized how the collaboration between the internet, media, and law enforcement on both sides of the Atlantic played a crucial role in cracking the case.

“The internet is a great tool and social media has negatives, but it has its positives and in this case, it is positive,” Whitwell stated.

Detectives suspect that Frigur is still within the U.S., potentially in the Northeast region. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Children’s Treasure 4-Day Pop Up Sale

Location: National Guard Armory
844 North James Campbell Boulevard

Price: $15

Find Infant sizes all the way up to junior sizes, Select Men + Women's Clothing, Shoes, Baby essentials, Toys for all ages 

Schedule:

March 20th: Presale and Kick-Off at 6pm (Express Passes & New Mom + Grandma Passes) (7:00pm - 9:00pm) 
March 21st: Open to the public (8:15am - 6:30pm) 
March 22nd: Open to the public (8:15am - 7pm) 
March 23rd: Open to the public & last day selling (8am - 5pm)