In its annual Internet Crime Report, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) reported the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 350,000 complaints – an average of more than 900 claims every day. The most frequent complaint is regarding monetary losses, which added up to over $2.7 billion in 2018

Today, Americans are facing an unprecedented increase in cybercrime and online fraud. Cybercrimes are criminal activities carried out utilizing electronic devices connected to the internet. They are pervasive, stealth crimes that prey on vulnerable populations and leave victims with few resources for economic or emotional recovery. The Heart of Florida United Way is joining the Cybercrime Support Network and the Heart of West Michigan United Way to launch the Cybercrime Victim Support Initiative. This initiative is an innovative solution to aid cybercrime victims.

As cybercrimes become increasingly more sophisticated, it has never been more critical to have a place where Central Floridians can turn for help. That is why Heart of Florida United Way’s 211 team is proud to join the Cybercrime Victim Support Initiative. Providing people with one number they can contact to speak with a trained call specialist who can assess the situation and connect them with organizations that can help. By calling or texting 211, victims now have the support they need to report a cybercrime, recover from its impact, and reinforce their cybersecurity systems following a cybercrime.

Cybercrimes are an emerging and evolving type of crime that often leaves victims stranded with no direction of where or even how to find help. In fact, less than 10 percent of cybercrime victims report these types of crimes. With Heart of Florida United Way’s new Cybercrime Victim Support Initiative, victims can contact 211 for help.

Outsource links: https://pdf.ic3.gov/2018_IC3Report.pdf