Scams against consumers have been going on for many decades, but the number of them and the damage they can cause may seem exceptionally high in recent times.
According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data, consumers claimed loses of more than $10 billion to fraud alone in 2023. That was a nearly 15 percent uptick from reported losses only a year earlier. The most targeted area for the scams was in the investment arena, accounting for more than $4.6 billion.
That said, know there are people fighting to protect you from scammers so that you lessen the chances of becoming the next victim.
One of those individuals is Joe Ducey, associate vice president, public engagement and investigative outreach for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ducey covers the Pacific Southwest region.
Mensajero de La Mesa caught up with Ducey recently to discuss how the fight against scams is going, what consumers should be on the lookout for and more.
Mensajero de La Mesa: What are some of the more notable scams taking place these days consumers should be alerted to?
Ducey: If you’re shopping online, seeking a new job or looking for love, scammers may be targeting you. The Better Business Bureau’s Scamtracker shows these are three of the biggest scams facing San Diego residents right now. With online shopping, beware of Facebook Marketplace links leading you to bogus shopping sites. Another issue involves fake notices that you bought something that you did not. There’s a customer service number. DO NOT CALL. Scammers wait. If you have an account with the business mentioned, check there. If you have no account, ignore.
Fake job posts continue to take thousands. Warning signs: – you’re hired without a face to face interview by video or in person; you get a big check upfront and are asked to send money elsewhere.
Online romance scams (pictured in top photo) involve fewer people, but much more money. Scamtracker shows an average loss of $150,000. This one usually involves seniors and a long distance scam suitor who will never meet and who is always asking for money.
Mensajero de La Mesa: On average, how much money does the typical consumer lose to scams in
their lifetime or even a year alone?
Ducey: Consumers lost $10 billion last year to scams. The Federal Trade Commission says it’s the highest amount ever reported and a $1 billion jump from 2022. While the average scam loss was $500, seniors lost on average $1,450 during 2023. Email was used most often to target people. Also, scammers are using consumer confusion over cryptocurrency and Bitcoin to take more money that way than ever before.
Mensajero de La Mesa: Can authorities realistically crack down on scammers or is it an issue
of lack of manpower and other resources to put a big dent in the problem?
Ducey: The problem for law enforcement is that many of these scams originate from other countries. Last year, with the help of authorities in India, there was a big crackdown on centers where scammers were making phony tech support scam calls. I think the FTC has done a better job of cracking down on unlawful telemarketing calls from this country. And I know they are targeting these imposter scams, where someone poses as an authority threatening arrest unless you pay some bogus fine. It’s been hard to engage some local law enforcement as they are busy with other crimes and tend to see scams as civil matters. The California Attorney General is the best bet for action.
Mensajero de La Mesa: Senior citizens are often prime victims for scams? What can they and their relatives do to lessen such opportunities for scammers to take advantage of them?
Ducey: Yes, seniors are still targeted by scammers more than others. I know a lot of seniors who keep up with the latest scams. I believe in general, scammers see seniors as having more money, being more easily intimidated and more willing to cooperate. I know many seniors who don’t fit that profile and are very aware of the latest scams and protections. If you’re a senior, I hope you join a senior group and talk about scams and money loss. If you’re approached about anything involving money, take a step back and contact a family member or friend before taking action. And if there is a senior in your life, warn them about scams and ask the sometimes tough questions about where their money is going.
Before hiring, go to bbb.org. Read reviews and check for BBB Accredited Businesses there. Also, check Scamtracker reports for common scams in your area. And go to joeknowsbetter.bbbcommunity.org to see Ducey’s podcasts and videos protecting consumers.
Editor’s note: With 40 years of experience as a television news reporter, Joe Ducey has received 20 Emmys and a Peabody award for his consumer and investigative work. Currently with Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest, he dedicates his expertise to guiding consumers to reputable businesses while safeguarding them from scams and unethical practices.
Top photo credit: Pixabay.com
