Based on 2021 statistics, the five most common fraud categories reported are:
No One is Immune
It’s important to realize that we are all potential targets for scammers. According to experts, one of the largest risks we face is our own false sense of security from believing we would never be a target; that we are too young, too smart, or too savvy to be fooled.
The statistics tell otherwise. Yes, those age 60 and above are the most likely to be targeted, however, according to 2021 FTC reporting the next two age groups most targeted are 30- to 39-year-olds and 50- to 59-year-olds. As for dollar losses by age, the 30 to 39 age group leads the way.
Old School, New School
Spammers use an assortment of contact methods to steal your money. So far this year, the most common contact method is by phone. Though only 10% of those contacts result in dollars lost by victims, the total dollars lost to phone scams still leads all other tactics.
Over 50% of scam efforts come from online contact (text, email, web, social). Of these, Social Media is the most common and results in the most money lost through digital tactics.
Pandemic Related Scams
No opportunity is off limits to scammers and that includes Coronavirus-based scams. Identity theft, treatment scams, charity scams, even funeral assistance scams are all making the rounds. Protect yourself:
Resources for More Information
The more you know, the safer you are from scammers. Here are five resources worth taking the time to review.
No one is safe from falling victim of a scam, but you can help protect yourself, your family, and your loved ones by staying alert to, and aware of, fraudulent activity.
Stay well.