BBB Updates On Scams

ZANESVILLE, OH — Scammers are constantly looking to get young adults’ information and money.

People ages 18 to 24 reported losing more money to scams than older age groups, according to a new report published by the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, the International Association of Better Business Bureaus’ educational foundation.

“This report shows that while 18 to 24 years were actually lower in susceptibility or likelihood for falling for a scam, they actually were the highest group for the most money lost. Not only that, this number amount of median dollar loss has steadily increased since 2019,” BBB President, Judy Dollison said.

The BBB says young adults are more likely to report being targeted by text message or internet messaging than other age groups. This group reported a higher percentage of scams targeting them on Instagram and X (Twitter).

A higher percentage of scams come via online payment system and bank account debit. The payment methods for this age group with the highest median dollar loss were wire transfers at $2,150, checks at $1,500, and cryptocurrency around $1,200.

“We always say the best way to prevent a scam is to stay educated about the scams and the types of very common scam tricks to look out for. So, when it comes to specifically to employment scams, typically what happens is you get a very quick job offer sometimes with very little interviewing and then you get this prepayment. That prepayment is really a trigger,” Dollison said.

This information comes from the BBB ScamTracker. If you feel that you have been exposed to a scam, please report it at BBB.org/scamtracker