In 2022, Permian Basin-area consumers and businesses reported multiple scams to BBB, totaling over $15,000 lost for the year. Across Texas, BBB received an average of 250 scam reports per month totaling $1.9 million lost for the year. While the tactics of scammers often shift to take advantage of marketplace trends, online shopping, employment and phishing scams are the most common types of scams reported to BBB from Texas residents, accounting for 49% of all scams submitted to the organization for the year.
To help Permian Basin-area residents avoid scams in 2023, BBB analyzed scam reports submitted by consumers with local zip codes to determine the top five prevailing scams in 2022 and provides a few tips on how to avoid them moving into the new year.
ONLINE PURCHASE
Share of reports: 48%
Amount lost: $3,233
Online purchase scams in the Permian Basin-area vary across a wide range of products, with some consumers losing thousands of dollars on a single interaction. Some of the more costly purchases include industrial construction equipment and fraudulent shipping companies, but some consumers also lost hundreds to online pet purchases. In most cases, buyers are requested to send money through an online payment system, such as Zelle or PayPal. Other items residents attempted to purchase include coolers, sports jerseys and holiday…
