As the year 2022 comes to a close and 2023 begins, it’s the time of year where we reflect on the various scams that have affected our community. Unfortunately, some scams are all too common and continue to plague us year after year. However, by learning from our past experiences, we can work towards preventing these scams from happening in the future.
Here are the top 5 scams that have been common in our area in 2022:
1. Online purchasing scams: These scams often involve the sale of fake or counterfeit items online. Scammers create fake websites or online stores that appear legitimate but are actually designed to steal personal information or money from unsuspecting consumers. .
To protect yourself, be sure to do your research before making a purchase, only shop on trusted websites and apps, and use secure payment methods such as credit cards.
2. Compromised account scams: Scammers attempt to gain access to your online accounts by sending fake emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate company or service. These messages may ask you to provide login information or to click on a link that will install malware on your device.
To protect yourself, use a two-step authorization when available, avoid clicking on unexpected links sent in an email or text message by searching for the website in your browser directly. Be sure to use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts and never share your login information with anyone.
3. Fake shipping notification scams: Scammers send fake shipping notifications in an attempt to trick you into providing personal information or paying for a non-existent delivery fee. These notifications may appear to be from a legitimate company or service but are actually designed to steal your information or money.
To protect yourself, track your own packages by saving the shipping and tracking information. Verify the authenticity of the notification before providing any information or making a payment by looking back at the website of the retailer where you made your purchase.
4. Sweepstakes scams: These scams often involve individuals receiving fake phone calls, emails, text messages or social media notifications that they have won a sweepstakes or prize. In order to claim their prize, victims are often required to pay a fee or provide personal information. However, the prize does not actually exist, and the scammer simply collects the fees and personal information from victims.
To protect yourself, remember that legitimate sweepstakes do not require you to pay upfront taxes, fees or provide personal information in order to claim a prize. And remember, if you never entered into a sweepstakes, you can’t win it!
5. Government imposter scams: Scammers pretend to be government officials or agencies in an attempt to trick individuals out of money or personal information. These scams may involve fake calls or emails requesting payment or personal information in order to resolve a supposed issue or avoid legal consequences.
To protect yourself, remember that government agencies will never ask you to pay a fee or provide personal information over the phone or through email. If you have given personal information to a scammer, visit www.IdentityTheft.gov for steps you can take to protect your identity.
Scams can take many forms and can be difficult to detect. However, by being aware of common scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to one of these fraudulent schemes. If you encounter a situation that seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to call us at the Better Business Bureau for help. Together, we can work towards a future where scams are a thing of the past!
Reghan Winkler is executive director of the Better Business Bureau serving West Central Ohio. The BBB may be found on the Internet at bbb.org/us/oh/lima.
