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According to its Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, in 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received approximately 2.6 million scam-related reports, representing over $10 billion in losses. With 44 percent of total reports, young adults (ages 20-29) reported losing money to fraud more often than older people. Here are the most common types of scams targeting young adults:

  1. Imposter – A scam in which someone contacts you pretending to be someone you know or from a company, school, or government agency. Here are some examples of ways the scam can play out:
    • Through random text or instant messages requesting to meet for coffee or just to say “Hi.” It’s a scam. Ignore the message and report it as junk.
    • In online quizzes, party invitations, and greeting cards. If you don’t know who sent it to you, don’t click any links or provide any information.
    • If you meet someone on a dating platform, be cautious if they want to contact you on a different platform, ask for money for an emergency, or invest with them. For tips, visit our Romance Scams page.
    • If you get contacted about unpaid college tuition, before paying, contact the school directly to verify your account. Most schools offer a secure online payment portal or visit the school in person to make payments.
    • Never pay a utility bill to someone who calls you threatening to turn off your service. A real utility company will notify you in writing and offer a repayment plan. Contact the company directly to verify your account and make payments.
  2. Online shopping – Scams are commonplace in online shopping especially during holidays.
    • If you get a message about an unexpected package delivery, don’t click any links. For tips, visit the FTC’s Online Privacy and Security page.
    • For airline travel, delays, and cancelations, always contact the airline through its official app, website, chat, phone number, or in person at the airport. Don’t give out personal information or confirmation numbers to unverified individuals claiming to be from an airline or travel app.
    • When ordering food delivery, never click on any links in a text or email or provide personal information when asked to verify your order.
  3. Sweepstakes and lotteries – These scams involve receiving a letter, email, or text message claiming you have won a prize.
    • Scammers will ask “winners” to claim their prize by sending a personal check, money order, or wire transfer to cover taxes, fees, shipping costs, or insurance. It’s illegal for a U.S. resident to play a foreign lottery. Do not send money to claim winnings in a contest, especially one you did not enter.
  4. Job opportunities – These scams involve home-based or remote work for pay that is significantly higher than standard. Contact is made through email from someone claiming to represent a made-up company who came across the recipient’s email address through a job board, LinkedIn, or in response to an application they sent in.
    • Be wary of companies that require you to download a specific mobile app to communicate or conduct interviews only through text or chat.
    • Verify at least two contact methods for a company representative. Make sure the address provided matches the business and the phone number is in service.
    • Research the company before agreeing to work for them. Check the Better Business Bureau’s website to see if the company is listed, and search online for reviews from previous employees or customers.
    • Look out for immediate offers and start dates, especially if the position is offered without an interview or requires the employee to pay for training or certifications.

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Last updated: Jan 21, 2025 @ 3:12 pm