Oregon Lost $13M To Cyber Crimes In 2016: Study

OREGON -- A recent study found that Oregon is a money-maker for online thieves. The state is apparently the 24th worst state in the country when it comes to reported cyber crimes, fraud and identity theft, according to a study by software application company, OpenVPN.

Oregon has found itself in a tie for the 24th highest rate of cyber crime in the country—alongside fellow Western state, Utah. In 2016, Oregonians reported a loss of $13,767,261 to internet crime as a whole and an average loss of $3,488.03 per person.

For total cyber crimes, 30,644 people came forward with reports of being victimized, especially men and adults 60-years and older, the study found.

Cyber Monday, the Monday following Thanksgiving where retailers often offer deals online, saw a 40 percent increase in "malicious attacks against consumers," the study said. American consumers typically spend more than $3 billion on Cyber Mondays.

Cyber crimes have increased as online shopping has grown. "Ecommerce is growing 23 percent year-over-year, and a whopping 80 percent percent of Americans with an internet connection have made an online purchase in the last month," OpenVPN said.

So, how can you stay safe from online scammers? A report by consumeraffairs.com says to "avoid making online purchases using a wireless connection" and to "never click on a link in an email."

In addition, be sure to only use one credit card for online purchases that way only one account will be compromised if you become a victim and beware of offers that may sound too good to be true, the article wrote.

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