In 2022, Coastal Bend consumers and businesses reported multiple scams to BBB, totaling $30,000 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 Coastal Bend 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: 22%
Amount lost: $9,795
Online purchase scams in Coastal Bend vary across a wide range of products, with some consumers losing over $1,000 on a single interaction. Online pet scams are particularly impactful in the area, with residents encountering fraudulent sellers when attempting to purchase Dachshunds, Corgis and Goldendoodles. In most cases, buyers are directed to send payment through an online payment system such as Zelle or PayPal. Other items residents attempted to purchase include ammunition, clothes and automotive parts.
To avoid online purchase scams, BBB recommends:
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