Artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool for cybercriminals who stole a record-setting amount of money from Americans in 2024.

Why it matters: FBI data reveals that Indiana is one of the states being hit the hardest.

Driving the news: Hoosiers filed 23,659 internet crime complaints in 2024, per the FBI Internet Crime Center's latest annual report, No. 8 in the U.S.

• Indiana was also No. 3 for complaints per capita, trailing only Alaska and Washington, D.C.

By the numbers: Indiana's 2024 complaint total is a new high for the state — a 113% increase over the 11,097 complaints filed in 2023.

• The last time Indiana saw this big of an annual increase was 2018 to 2019, when complaints increased 108% from 4,676 to 9,746.
• The previous record was in 2020, when there were 12,786 complaints, meaning last year battered the old best by 85%.

Yes, but: While targets are up, losses are down. Indiana residents were manipulated out of more than $125.1 million in 2024, down from a record $162.2 million in 2023.

State of play: The increase is driven in part by the accessibility and power of AI that gives criminals the power to commit fraud on a larger scale.

Reality check: Fear and embarrassment keep many victims from reporting crimes, meaning these totals could be even higher.

Zoom out: Nationwide losses eclipsed $16 billion in 2024, a 33% increase from 2023.

What they're saying: "As technology continues to evolve, so do cybercriminals' tactics. Attackers are leveraging AI to craft highly convincing voice or video messages and emails to enable fraud schemes against individuals and businesses alike," FBI special agent in charge Robert Tripp said in a statement.

How criminals use AI for scams

Former Vice President and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence spoke of the importance of the U.S. Constitution as he received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for his actions on Jan. 6.

The big picture: The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation bestowed the honor on Pence for resisting pressure from President Trump and others to not certify former President Biden's 2020 election win following the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

• Before serving as vice president during the first Trump administration, Pence was probably best known for signing Indiana's controversial religious freedom law that critics said allowed businesses to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community.
• Since Jan. 6, he's been ostracized by the Republican Party and its leader.

State of play: Pence's recognition comes as Trump has teased the possibility of running for a third term, despite it being unconstitutional.

• The president threw cold water on the idea in an interview Sunday.

What he's saying: "I will always believe by God's grace, I did my duty that day to support the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution of the United States of America," said Pence of his actions on Jan. 6., 2021, prompting applause from those gathered at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.

• Pence said institutions held during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot "because leaders in both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, did their duty."

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🚨 An armed man fatally shot by law enforcement yesterday outside the Hendricks County Courthouse has been identified as the great-grandfather of two young children killed in a crash that ended a February police pursuit.

• Investigators say the 65-year-old fired at least one gunshot toward a group of inmates being transported before deputies returned fire.
• Court records show the driver charged in the fatal crash was slated to appear in court yesterday. (WTHR)

🏀 The Indiana Fever have waived forward Jillian Alleyne and guard Bree Hall. (IndyStar)

⚖️ The Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office is requesting that the teen driver involved in the crash that killed Hamilton Southeastern High School student Mason Alexander be tried in adult court now that he is 18. (WRTV)

🐖 A Brownsburg animal sanctuary rescued multiple pigs over the weekend from a trash-filled trailer. One of the 10 pigs found in the trailer was dead when rescue staff arrived. (CBS4)

✌🏿Justin here, bringing you a local beer rec for those times when you need something to depend on.

Brew of the week: Built to Last, a delightfully straightforward German pilsner from Chilly Water Brewing Company.

• 4.7% ABV

💭 My thought bubble: Like the name suggests, this is a beer that won't let you down.

• Built to Last is light, refreshing and agreeable. Even if you don't absolutely love it, it's extremely hard to not like it.
• This beer also made me hungry, but in a good way. The crisp, clean flavor profile makes it the perfect partner for burgers and brats.

The intrigue: Today is Bluegrass Jam Session day Chilly Water, an acoustic bash that goes down the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm.

If you go

The Fever won their first two preseason games, including Saturday's 2025 Gainbridge debut against Washington.

Why it matters: One of the team's newly added veterans led the team in points and minutes in that first game.

🏀 #8 Sophie Cunningham: Guard

• The 13th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Mizzou, Cunningham spent six years with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Fever in the offseason.
• Cunningham has done commentary for the Phoenix Suns and sees broadcasting in her future as a self-proclaimed "yapper."
• She provided a spark off the bench against the Mystics, forcing overtime by making two big free throws and finishing with 21 points.

Fun fact: She got her black belt in tae kwon do at age 6.

The intrigue: Her friendship with and resemblance to teammate Lexie Hull has provided off the court laughs already. And she seems to embrace it.

What she's saying